We are excited to have the one and only, Gary Randall, as our Featured Artist. Gary is a phenomenal photographer, he takes such breathtaking pictures that it was hard to pick which ones we would feature here, there all so awesome! So, after you get to know the artist behind the art with his interview down below, make sure to click the links and check out all his other work, and who knows give him a follow if you like what you see, you won’t regret it!
Find Gary: Instagram – @gary_randall – gary-randall.com
How old are you?
59
Where are you from?
Brightwood, Oregon
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I have been an artist most all of my life as a hobby. I became a full time artist and photographer 20 years ago when I quit my job. My specialty is landscape photography. I find inspiration for my work while immersed in nature so I travel and backpack as much as possible.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
I own my own photography business and so I am involved in all aspects of the business. Although I enjoy most all aspects of the business, the clerical side is what I do by obligation. I’d much rather be outdoors creating.
Do you have a favorite Artist?
I am inspired by so many, but my fine art photography is influenced by the Hudson River School artists from the middle 19th Century especially Albert Bierstadt. My favorite photographer, besides Ansel Adams would be Galen Rowell.
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be art related.
Leaving a job to create my own life. I feel so much more freedom in my life now that I work for myself. In this day and age accomplishing independance is difficult, but with hard work and a dream it can be achieved.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
In five years my goal is to expand my business worldwide. In ten years still guiding photographers like I do today. In 20 years I hope to still be alive and hiking, but through it all I hope to be inspiring young artists.
If you could meet and talk to any person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
Disregarding spiritual leaders or lost family members, it would be a toss up between Leonardo Da Vinci, Albert Einstein and Thomas Jefferson, all for different reasons. But if I had to choose one it would probably be Thomas Jefferson. Our conversation would be more relevant to questions as they apply to my present reality I think.
How is one way you make money with your art?
Because I’m a photographer sometimes it difficult to separate the work that I do from the art that I create. If I were to separate the photo shoots with my business from the landscape photos that I create for my own enjoyment, which is what I consider my art, I make money by selling copies to both individuals as well as for commercial use. I also hold classes where I teach others how to do what I do to create my work. The aggregate pays the bills. Remember that one doesn’t need to be rich to be happy.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Right now I have my eyes set on the Faroe Islands. The landscapes there are incredible from the photos that I’ve seen. It’s remote and not a lot of photographers have been there yet. It intrigues me.
What is your favorite brand of art supply?
Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software. – I love Adobe products. I love the Creative Cloud that they’ve made. I used Lightroom and Photoshop constantly to create, not just my photography but graphic art projects that I do.
Any advice for young artists?
My advice to young artists is to work hard. Create a dedicated work ethic and work hard. When you are doing what you love you’ll know it because your work is no longer work. Work for yourself, even if only in your off hours from your job at first. Don’t expect things to happen over night. It truly is a journey and not a destination. Be kind and share with others. Become the best person and the best artist that you can be. And the most important is to believe in yourself. Believe that you can do it.
Thank you sincerely for the feature. 😀 I appreciate it.