Today we’d like to introduce you to Grant Wells.
Grant, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born in Orlando, I was raised by mother who was an Art teacher for Orange County for 35 years. I was raised in a creative household where I was able to be as expressive and creative as I wanted to be. With my background in traditional art, i also achieved a bachelors in digital arts and graphic design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been far from a smooth road for me. From growing up in east Orlando raised by my mother on a teachers salary we had what we needed but, it was a struggle at times. After a skateboard accident where I shattered my knee cap. I found myself in a spiral addiction that was only supported by my depression and ADHD. I am now a recovering addict and have been sober now for 8 years. I can attribute art to my recovery. Giving me a purpose and a reason to push on when life gets tough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With a wide variety of mediums I use ranging from pencil, pen, acrylic/ oil paints, digital art, poetry and trying my hand at making music. I love being able to express myself through my art. I pride myself on making art that represents me. I love using vibrant colors and subject matter that will make you smile. I tend to stay clear of photo realism and stay more in a stylized aesthetic. While my art is ranging of subject matter from landscapes, and science fiction, to risqué art that pushes the limits of commercial art commenting on the thin line between appropriate and inappropriate art which has gotten me in trouble more times than I’d like admit. Recently my most popular pieces have been of colossal cheeseburgers stacked as tall as the canvas. It’s my commentary of the over indulgence that we as Americans too often will indulge. I find it important as an artist to not focus on what “sells”, but simply what I enjoy to make at that moment. While it often leaves me without a certain brand or theme, it helps me push through the barriers we create for ourselves by adhering to our own personal guidelines as artists.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
What works for me may not work for others, but I tend to love watching a YouTube channel called game grumps, they play video games and joke around. I find with everything in the world going on it’s important to not take it all too serious. I feel that as artists it’s very easy to get wrapped up in ourselves/ our art, or our message. Most importantly I don’t want to come pretentious, and would rather give no meaning behind a piece in hopes the viewer can gain their own interpretation to piece of my art. Even if that interpretation is just smiling at giant cheeseburger. I use to want to push buttons and make people think, but now I just want to bro g a second of happiness to this world that can be so cruel and selfish.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iampigbelly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grwpigbelly?igsh=MXM0Mmo3YW01dmFmeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15sGN687kJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Brittany Proctor, Autum Proctor
