Meet Gene Grey | Digital fine/pop Artist

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

Hi Gene, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks was and is the model that works best for me. Taking a risks artistically is the foundation to pushing the envelope and driving culture. I’m also empathetic to those who are skeptical of risks, because so was I at one point. I didn’t come out the gate swinging for the fence when I first started. I was beyond uncomfortable sharing my art when I first started. I just had to take that risk it if I wanted to become successful and grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What makes my art special is that it legit comes from within. No one else sees the world way that I see it let alone make the connections that I can make visually. Which is why sometimes my art comes out far & few between. I will happily sit on my hands and do nothing before I put out something that’s not authentic.

I got to where I am now artistically through the most valuable commodity: time. I started making art in December 2017 and I never looked back since. It was a humbling road, because I was nowhere near as good as I am now, but after trial and error, I became to Gene Grey I am now.

My journey was relatively easy because I love what I do, there’s a special satisfaction I get when I create from within. So whether one person likes it or 7000, that internal joy matters to me the most. I barely look at numbers, which is why my ”likes” is turned off on my Instagram.

My biggest challenge honestly is myself. I can sometimes be my own worst critic. But I’ve gotten better at that over the years. I used to get down on myself for not always putting out work, until some of my OGs and mentors explain to me that is always going to be quality over quantity.

I think my favorite lesson so far is the biggest success comes from the purest form of creation. If it feels right, go for it. If it makes people, uncomfortable, deal with it, because art is sometimes meant to ruffle feathers and make people uncomfortable because it starts dialogue and conversation. If your heart isn’t making someone feel anything, you’re not doing something right.

I want the world to know that what I’m doing can be done by anyone. Everyone has creativity inside of their DNA. It is up to you to discover what your medium is. Once you discover it, you master it, once you’ve mastered it, you use it to change the world around you for the better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first, I would take them to the French quarters for some beignets. When I moved here from Miami, that was one of my favorite spots. then we would check out Mr. Wolf espresso (best coffee, and espresso in the entire city). After that, we would check out the Ogden museum of Southern arts. Then we will go to Algiers point simply for the sights.

At some point in time would make a trip to the West Bank to get tatted up by the legendary 3hree of world class tattoos. After that we will probably go get some oysters from Acme in Metairie. Then later on that evening, depending on the day, we might slide through Hummingbird lounge or CIAO (s/o to my dawg Nick).

I’m also a fan of a good brunch spot, so definitely would make a trip to Ruby slipper on magazine. Then head back over to the central business district to look at the van Gogh exhibit, then maybe round it out with some wings from who dat wings. Depending on the vibes, for later, may pass by the Ace Hotel for some drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to s/o to all of my creative family who motives and guides me to be great in my craft. Darrius Moreno, Nicky Chulo, PVTSO, Justin Wilson, Karnel, Teedy B, Corey Anthony, Ashley Lorraine, Glen St, Patrick. and Wayne Clark. The city of New Orleans for embracing me, The city of Miami (NMB) for molding me, & The city of Chicago for birthing me.

Website: Genegreyartwork.com

Instagram: _genegrey

Twitter: @_GeneYus