Artist Statement and Biography
Rick Gregg’s work has largely been influenced by the simplicity of form and expression
found in primitive works. That effect is apparent in many of his sculptures. His art
offers little embellishments of realistic detail, as ample vision is acquired through his
subtle lines of expression.
From early childhood, nature has been a strong influence in Rick’s life. Being touched
by the southwestern landscape, canyons, colors and textures, Rick was especially taken
by the primitive glyphs and cave paintings he found.
Introduced to metal at the age of 16 in his job at a wrought iron shop, he quickly
fell in love with the working of metal. Recognized by the owners for his talents in
art, he was allowed access to the shop after hours to pursue his own ideas. At the
age of 20, when he had his own studio, the owners began buying most of what he made
and reselling it in their showroom. Their purchase of his work was instrumental in
allowing him to pursue his art full time.
As he developed his abilities in metal-working, Rick found that the introduction of
other materials, expanded his pallet. Wood, Stone and glass were integrated into his works,
even today cement is an essential element in many of his sculptures.
Staring in his 40”s, Rick revisited blacksmithing to strengthen and broaden his abilities
in the more traditional aspects of the art. However, welding is still his predominant
vehicle for sculpting as he finds it most versatile and central to his means of expression.
Beginning with an emotional concept, Rick moves it into a visual experience through creating
in physical form. He finds there is a need to be continuously experimenting with materials
to convey succinctly what he strives to express.
Rick’s work draws from a world which is continuously the same but always changing. Rick
offers an alternative view of seeing that same world through a different lens. Rick’s art
is a re-seeing of the ordinary.
Galleries
Two Vaults Gallery
Tacoma, Washington
Current
Guardino Gallery
Portland, Oregon
March 26th to April 28th - 2009
Gottlieb Gallery
Portland, Oregon
2008
Guardino Gallery
Portland, Oregon
2008
Bella Perla Gallery
Portland, Oregon
2008
Onda Gallery
Lake Oswego, Oregon
2008
Kebanu Gallery
Bend, Oregon
2008
Riversea Gallery
Astoria, Oregon
2007 - Present
Bella Perla Gallery
Portland, Oregon
2006
Oswego Lake Gallery Gallery
Lake Oswego, Oregon
2006
Opus 6ix Gallery
Eugene, Oregon
2006
Dragonfire Gallery
Cannon Beach, Oregon
2005 - 2007
Guardino Gallery
Portland, Oregon
2005
Enchanted Gallery
Del Mar, California
1993 - Present
Primitivo Gallery
Salana Beach, California
1989 - 1990
Athena Studio Gallery
Leucadia, California
1979 - 1987
Hausers
San Diego, California
1970 - 1977
Juried, Group and Featured Artist Exhibitions and Shows
Gallery Without Walls
2nd and Evergreen
Lake Oswego, Oregon
Current
Coos Bay Art Museum
Coos Bay, Oregon
March 26th to April 28th - 2009
Art in the Pearl
Portland, Oregon
2008
Collaborations Invitational
Contemporary Crafts Museum
Portland, Oregon
2008
Monarch Contemporary
Art and Sculpture Park
Tenino, Washington
2008
Unclad Art
Stanwood, WA
2007
Salmon for the Sandy
Western Rivers Conservancy
Portland, Oregon
2007
Maryhill Museum Art Festival
Goldendale, Washington
2007
Hundred Valleys Art Association
Roseburg, Oregon
2007
Unclad Art
Portland, Oregon
2006
Creative Metal Arts Guild Show
Portland, Oregon
2004, 2007
Maryhill Museum Art Festival
Goldendale, Washington
2004
Salem Art Festival
Salem, Oregon
2003 - 2005
Art in the Pearl
Portland, Oregon
2003 - 2007
Richmond Museum
Raymond, Washington
2004
The MercadoRancho
Sante Fe, California
1970
Art Organization Memberships
Pacific NW Sculptors
(Board of Directors 2004-Present)
Portland, Oregon
2002 - Present
Artist Blacksmith Association of North America
Portland, Oregon
1994 - Present
