Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/809553
36 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 7 BARRY, WOULD YOU LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF? Throughout my journey in life, I have been passionately drawn to various art forms. With formal training as a painter and as an illustrator, I harnessed those skills to create a successful 20-year graphic design career. Working as designer allowed me to use my creative knowledge and artistic expression to create concepts, but I was confined by a strict set of rules. I could only express myself in a two-dimensional format. Then, in the mid- 90s, I discovered clay. My first experience as a hand-builder in a three-dimensional art form gave me a new sense of satisfaction in my self- expression. It began slowly, but soon I felt a need to create. The configuration of the medium created limitless possibilities. There were still rules and restrictions, but I pushed them to the limits, eventually creating my own voice. WHAT DOES "BEING CREATIVE" MEAN TO YOU? "Being Creative" means expressing a point of view that is uniquely my own. I have been referred to as a painter, a potter, a sculpture, a mixed-media artist, a teacher and a mentor. Exploring all realms of creativity is essential for me in my life as an artist. Creating a piece of artwork is equally frustrating and rewarding. Failure is an integral part in any creative process. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE TIME WHEN YOU FIRST REALIZED THAT CREATING WAS SOMETHING YOU ABSOLUTELY HAD TO DO? There is not a time in my life that I did not feel the need to explore the creative process. I was a child who colored outside the lines and was not afraid to paint a blue elephant or a green dog. I always stepped up to volunteer for projects that needed artistic skills, as I was keenly aware that those were in my wheelhouse. WHAT KIND OF CREATIVE PATTERNS, ROUTINES OR RITUALS DO YOU HAVE? I am a morning person. I love to get up before the crack of dawn and begin my workday. The stillness of the early morning darkness transitioning into light is my time of reflection. Unencumbered by distractions, it is my favorite part of my day. I truly believe that Attention Deficit Disorder is a gift. I am most fulfilled when surrounded by several projects. I spontaneously choose my work and live in the moment. I look forward to Mondays as much as Saturdays. WHAT'S THE FAVORITE THING YOU'VE EVER CREATED? I sincerely hope that the best is yet to come. However, I can honestly say that I do not have an absolute favorite. I am happy with my bark arks, pup cups, faithful companions, and spots of tea. I am also pleased with my "Good Shepherd" Nativity and GONE TO THE DOGS: Q & A WITH BARRY GREGG