We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I was younger, I distinctly kept hard boundaries between my non creative and art time from the rest of my life. Now that I am older and much wiser, creativity and art is a way of being for me. The way I speak to others, the tone of voice, even the pattern in my steps.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a multidisciplinary artist. I choose the medium based on the story I want to tell. My primary medium is photography, digital and of the film persuasion. My main genre in photography are Tableaux / Narrative and Street Photography. I primarily use tableaux to help other people work through their traumas and triggers. Most of these never reach the public as the work is personal to the individual I am helping. Street photography is purely for fun and getting lost in a crowded street. There is a sense of freedom to be had when you have a camera in hand.

The biggest lesson I had to learn was self confidence really, that and networking. Once I finally acknowledged where I am as an artist, and stopped comparing my work to others, everything just fell into place. Confidence goes along way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel like my answers to this is completely dependent if I am having an Introvert day or not.

The downtown art openings are an excellent choice on 1st Fridays. there are at least 10 different Art openings happening. Colorado Springs has a pretty good art community. There is just so much to do downtown. The Rabbit Hole is a cool restaurant that is below ground. Reservations are required.
Coati is really neat as well. Multiple restaurants, Art galore, and live entertainment.
The Ivy wild School is a definite must. It is such a cool experience to drink a beverage in an old school turned Beer Brewery, Distillery, and restaurant and bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had a lot of support over the years. Especially when I first entered the art scene. Kathleen McFadden’s Range Gallery was a key mentor in teaching me how to frame and prepare my art for gallery showings, as well as present my art work to the public as a whole.

Art 111 Gallery was the first gallery that I was a member of. The ability to show there gave me the courage and confidence in my art. It was huge in my self growth as an artist.

The Pikes Peak Art Council is a wonderful Nonprofit for artists, that I am lucky enough to lead. My fellow board members are Amazing to work with.

PersonalRobertGra

Website: www.grayelementsart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayelementsart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrayElementsArt

Other: https://pikespeakartscouncil.org/

Image Credits
Photo credit with big camera goes to Lee Gray. Photo credit with smaller camera goes to Emma Gray. All other photos were made by Robert Gray

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