Oil Entries

About Gary 
I was born in Baltimore, raised in western West Virginia and spent my early adulthood in Chicago and Philadelphia where I enjoyed working as a theatre artist. I became interested in visual art during my 18 years in Salem, MA and apprenticed as a flat glass craftsperson for 10 of those years with Kai Colombo in neighboring Peabody. Also during my time in Salem I worked with a devoted team to start an arts association and became the Founding President of the Salem Arts Association.  I have recently been drawn to oil paint and have started to learn how to interpret and conceptualize images using that medium. I love mixed media images as well, and hope to incorporate collage, oil and glass - if even possible - into future art.  I currently make my home in Bradenton, FL with my husband Craig and our two cats, Sanji and Camden.

Gary's Artist Statement 

Drawn to a variety of media, I’m passionate about creating one-of-a-kind pieces that draw from my core personal values based on respect, equity, a strong belief in our spiritual nature and from my innate desire to share the beauty of God’s contradictions. My works reflect what I find to be beautiful and wholly notable within those contradictions and hopefully adds to the great library of ideas and perspectives that lead to greater understanding and empathy. Most importantly, I pray that as my work evolves, it may be seen by that someone who feels as though - finally - they have been seen and heard.

--  Gary LaParl

www.garylaparl.com