Running the Streets Mixed Media on panel 36"x36"2019

Fragmented and layered is the best way to describe my life story. Like many of us, I have my family and childhood trauma. Born into Generation X, my skills of resiliency, metamorphosis and adaptation are very honed qualities I am glad I have subconsciously ingrained into my being. Challenges and living resourcefully are not unfamiliar nor something I find- insurmountable. Yet, acceptance within “thriving” rather than settle for mediocrity within my “survival” skill set is one of the hardest lessons I have learned in my 49 years on this celestial satellite.

Fragments and layers have come to my attention as the main source of development and inspiration in my journey as a “creative”. A real time exploration into the introspective practice of “putting the pieces” back together. The complexity of each piece reconfigured, reinvented, recontextualized within each layer exposed. So that those layers unnecessary or without power to move the work forward be subtracted. Additions may be divided, parallel and perpendicular to the lines and shapes organized for every autobiographical story that inspires the titles and messages in my work.

Fragment: From “loud” series 2003 fragment/studio dissection

Autobiographical- because there is something about being the explorer, the pioneer in new lands. Unfamiliar languages, symbols, guides and connections within the vulnerability that comes with leaving “home”. “Home” in all its manifestations inside and out of our physical vessel. “Home” is so layered, fragmented, intersectional as I continue to search and build on this idea of “home”. How to cultivate everything a home offers in the way of “loving” one’s self- and finding one’s people our chosen tribe(s). Beginning this journey I would say seriously by 1998- while at Penn State. I started with portraits of my physical body and realized the power in always having one’s body and mind as the first source before- the influence of outside sources. The body and mind are just as much a battle ground as those lands experiencing war past, present and future.

What many of us would consider a failure. Some may consider this a renewal, a shift in the dynamics of structure and relationships that many of us never shake off the “Grose” nature of this experience or any experience in which we feel we failed or have had enough reason to end a “season” in life and relationships. Beginning and ending- finding the peace to see and accept the present energy that dictates our everyday. Like being present in the studio sorting out compositions, textures, colors, marks- INTENTIONS.

"Take the Bull by the Horns" mixed media on panel 36"x48" 2019

I measure and process my steps in this galactic salad of celestial bodies by the fragments and the layers developed, stripped, reapplied, recontextualized through life experiences. Those moments in time that fill my cup. That’s the clarity in the moment. As a father, son, brother, friend, foe, and ex. As an educator, curator, painter- a creative with the skill and ambition to work across media. Failure has been my greatest gift. Failure is -as I have found in the studio and every step in this world informs those choices as I recall my journey.

I am the “best” person I look- to be in this world when I make art. When I write songs and teach in the classroom. When I meet up and sort out fellow colleagues’- visions for themselves as a curator. I am the human being I long to be in this world when I acknowledge and accept. I am a “creator”- I heal, teach, lead, parent and show up for myself in a way I am honored to see each sunrise and sunset day to day.

Layers made from the fragments of the past, marks and compositions that map out the location(s) of the future- and the “Grose” confidence to let the world see and experience these contributions authored and developed. This is the Metempsychosis of Gregory J. Rose. The acceptance of my place as the prolific and multifaceted creator, the sensi, the OG, the poet, made of, particles in those stars found in our skies.

Fragments and Layers: Metempsychosis of the scholar warrior.

Foundations- Entrances and Exits