THESKINI.COM

January 2004

Gregory Euclide

by LisaL

Gregory Euclide's mixed media paintings explore ideas of time, space and personal history. Using a variety of materials including watercolor, pen and ink, and acrylic paint, Euclide works in layers to create a sense of time passing.

Time and perception play a major role in Euclide's iconography. Each work relates very specifically to the time experienced during its creation. As an example, Euclide explains that if there is a doorway in view as he is working, he may count the minutes between openings and use that number sequence in the painting. A line in the work may correspond with the pattern of a bird flying outside the window.

The purpose of documenting these events and sequences is to call attention to the countless patterns and systems that occur in our daily lives. These systems dictate our reality and our interaction with the world around us. Building up these layers of imagery allows the viewer to experience these ideas as they might in actual time and space. As the viewer explores each plane of imagery and "passes through it to the next", Euclide explains, "it creates a sequence that emulates the second-to-second transactions that occur in matter and thought."

"Como" (detail)

These occurrences are coupled with equations and theories based in biology and physics. He used to work to create a specific relationship between the use of the equation and the conceptual development of the painting, but now favors the meanings that develop from a more random selection and interpretive interaction. He explains, "The sole characteristic we have in common with our surroundings is that all matter is composed of elements. Breaking down the material world into smaller units reveals that, in nature, preferential treatment does not exist (the laws of physics act equally on humans and microbes.) While I understand that art is primarily the creation of humans to be viewed by humans, I believe there is the capacity and the responsibility for the inclusion of issues that are not only specific to humanity, but issues addressing life as a whole."

Euclide explains that this interest in science and our experience comes from the idea that "we are all made of the same basic material but in different configurations. Something guides the development of an ear to become an ear and a lion to have a golden coat - that is a system - a set of rules that guide things. All we see before us is the result of systems. It is the result of possibilities being built upon possibilities, exponentially".

Euclide credits his father for his interest in nature. He remembers, "We would take walks in the forest behind our house together. He would always stay very quiet and just walk-constantly looking and listening. Those walks were maybe my first introduction to the complexity of natural systems. And while the work takes on this very technical appearance sometimes, it is a very organic, somewhat poetic view I have about the whole idea of systems. I fully understand that I will never understand the systems that guide life, so then, what to do is enjoy it and be mindful of it."

"Built on Outlined Systems"

The work begins as an idea. The artist often explores nature to gain a first hand view and document his experiences. Building on these observations, layering imagery and symbols, the ideas are translated into Euclide's personal visual language. When asked how his work develops he responds, "Currently, I am interested in two types of images that are derivative of how we experience the world. The first is the depiction of actual space. The second is the documentation of an object, as it exists in time. For example, I work a lot with architectural space and the idea of space creation through limits of materials. Space and how we build it up, dig it out or define its boundaries are of interest to me. An example of the second type of image could be the documentation of a bird as it flies through the sky or the way a wrist moves through space."

The culmination of these ideas is a complex visual image that utilizes the familiar and abstract to capture the sensation of time, experience, movement, growth, development, and decay. Euclide states, "The laws of action and reaction dictate the occurrences which are the cause of growth and decay in systems of matter. In living systems, these occurrences take place unconsciously, resulting in a great disconnect between transactions and the controller of the catalyst to those transactions. For example, the average person can raise their arm, but cannot explain how that action came about. I am interested in raising the awareness of this disconnect."

"Endure"

Gregory Euclide has been creating artwork since childhood. His formal training includes a BFA and BAE in arts education from the University of Wisconsin, - Oshkosh and graduate study both there and at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He currently teaches art to high school students and exhibits frequently throughout the Twin Cities area. He is also a member of Rosalux Gallery, which is located in the Open Book building in downtown Minneapolis (formerly Ruminator Book)

You can see more of Gregory Euclide's work on his website: www.gregoryeuclide.com

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