Unveiling Artistic Journeys: A Conversation with Gregory de la Haba
Welcome to the Silver Disobedience Perception Dynamics podcast, where we dive deep into meaningful discussions with fascinating individuals who bring diverse perspectives to the table. In this latest episode, I sit down with the renowned multidisciplinary artist Gregory de la Haba. Join us as we explore the intricacies of Gregory’s artistic journey, his unique approach to art, and the intriguing concepts that define his work.
Gregory de la Haba is a multidisciplinary artist whose work encompasses writing, curating, publishing, sculpture, drawing, and most notably, painting. Gregory’s art explores concepts such as gambling addiction, modern masculinity, and societal perceptions of men today. One intriguing concept Gregory explores is “duende,” a Spanish term he explains with enthusiasm.
What It Means to Be a Multidisciplinary Artist
Gregory shares that the term “multidisciplinary artist” was attributed to him by an art writer due to the vast scope of his creative endeavors, which include curating and publishing in addition to his primary focus on painting. He expands on his artistic expression by describing the interplay between his New York City portal-themed paintings and his light paintings. Gregory discusses how his portal series captures the vibrant and chaotic energy of New York City through doors adorned with stickers and graffiti, while his light paintings convey vibrational frequencies and inner illumination.
A Light in the Darkness
The discussion takes a poignant turn as Gregory recounts the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his work. He shares how the world’s darkness during those times drove him to create paintings centered around light, a testament to his resilience and ability to find beauty in adversity. Through referencing art history, he draws inspiration from Italian painter and architect, Giotto, and his dramatic use of light and dark, while selectively focusing on painting the light itself. For Gregory, this light symbolizes the vibrational frequencies inherent in all of us and his desire for art to bring people back to the light.
Defining Duende: A Magical Concept
Gregory elaborates on the Spanish word “duende,” which he defines as representing a magical, immersive moment when time stops. This concept finds parallels in various activities, such as an artist absorbed in their work, a surfer catching a wave, or that intense moment before the matador and bull engage. Gregory’s fascination with the concept of “duende” reflects his quest to create art that captures those transcendent moments.
Discovering Artistic Identity
Throughout the conversation, Gregory reflects on his evolving artistic identity. He remembers his younger self, driven by a desire to master classical techniques, only to later question what he truly wanted to express beyond technical skill. He emphasizes the importance of developing one’s unique visual language and defines being an artist as someone who brings novel creations into existence.
The Role of Inspiration and Role Models
Gregory attributes his inspiration to the artistic greats he admires, stating that great art energizes him to improve his craft continuously. However, he also emphasizes the invaluable guidance offered by mentors, role models, and teachers, underscoring the importance of their influence in the artist’s journey of self-discovery. Gregory also explains the influence of having children on his perspective and artistic expression, stressing that they have enriched his life and work immeasurably.
The Merging of Life and Art
The conversation explores the dynamic relationship between life and art, with both host Dian and guest Gregory agreeing that they are inextricably intertwined. Gregory shares personal anecdotes illustrating the synchronicity of life’s occurrences and how they mirror the themes in art. As the conversation unfolds, he acknowledges the unexpected avenues his career has taken, stressing the importance of embracing the entirety of life’s experiences in shaping his art. This depth of experience is what gives his art its unique resonance.
As our time with Gregory draws to a close, he leaves us reflecting on the universal whispers of the Universe and the importance of listening to them. In closing, I invite readers and viewers to share this deep and thought-provoking conversation with friends. Gregory de la Haba’s journey is a testament to finding one’s voice in the chaos of life and using it to create something that resonates with others. Be sure to watch the full episode and immerse yourself in the rich dialogue.
