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

Bush Art Center/Gallery
Salem, Oregon

Current

Love! Art Gallery
Portland, Oregon

Current

Mavi Contemporary Art Gallery
Tacoma, Washington

Current

Two Vaults Gallery
Tacoma, Washington

2007 - 2009

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 - 2009

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

Evergreen Aviation Museum
McMinnville, Oregon

2010

Live with it Art Invitational
Manzanita, Oregon

2010

Portland International Airport
Portland, Oregon

2009

Coos Bay Art Museum
Coos Bay, Oregon

March 26th to April 28th - 2009

Portland City Hall
Portland, Oregon

2008

Clackamas Community College
Sculpture Build-off
Oregon City, 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

2004, 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 - 2010

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