Local Artist: Tony Griffin
Statesville artist Tony Griffin is bringing his passion for art and unique perspective to an upcoming exhibition with Mooresville Arts, where his work will be featured alongside other local artists. The exhibits, “heaven on earth” and “Face Off” are now available for viewing at the Mooresville Arts exhibit.
Born in Monroe, NC, Griffin spent his years during high school in Italy at the Santa Reparata International School of Artists. Griffin shared that he grew up liking to draw but was never exposed to a lot of art in Monroe. His sister and husband lived and studied in Italy and it was mutually agreed within the family for him to live and study in Italy as well.
“I have sort of an artist model,” said Griffin. “I began focusing on drawing. I was told to focus on drawing, which I did for years, and I was able to work alongside other artists who were there—especially Americans who were studying abroad.”
Griffin began painting in his junior year into his senior year of high school and carried it with him after graduation. “I did not study art when I was in school but I was surrounded by it,” he said. “I learned a lot about the streets and cathedrals. I spent a lot of time in the cathedrals and lived that far from Michelangelo.” Griffin shared that he fell in love with dragging and the Renaissance master drawings.
After moving back to America, Griffin attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts where he studied drawing, painting, sculpture and art history. “I think that was the plan, to come back to the States, and find an art school,” said Griffin. “I looked at several and I had a friend going to Pennsylvania Academy and I looked into it. It was the oldest art school in American history—founded in realism—and it seemed that I could probably get the most training there.”
After attending Pennsylvania Academy—earning un-accredicted experience—Griffin moved back to Charlotte to pursue his art. “I was trying to figure out how to make a living,” said Griffin. “I did a lot of teaching on the side. I had drawing groups in my studio in Charlotte along the way. I did that for 28 years, twice a week. I began exhibiting work within various galleries. It slowly took off but it wasn’t overnight.”
Griffin shared how he always loves to draw but landscapes became his survival when it came to making a living. “Landscapes became my bread and butter through art galleries. I developed the reputation of a landscape artist, not by design.”
Griffin finds inspiration in various areas within his life when it comes to creating his work. “I really like getting familiar with the area,” said Griffin. “I like painting what I know and building a relationship with the area.”
“A lot of inspiration comes from the history of art,” adds Griffin. “I always feel like I am in dialogue with artists, both contemporary and dead. I try to pay attention to what people are doing. I don’t necessarily emulate them but there was a time when I did. I feel like they are sitting on my shoulder when I am painting.” He also shares how he admired older artists, quizzing them of their art history knowledge, but learning that working hard within their work. “If you work hard, the doors will open to you.”
When it came to selecting work for the exhibit “heaven on earth,” Griffin shared how he would feel overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape, thinking to himself: “My god, this is heaven on Earth!” The works that he selected for the show were his works that inspired him. “I was just following my inspiration,” he said.
View Tony Griffin’s work, along with other artists, at the Mooresville Arts at the Depot on August 18. The exhibit, along with “Face Off,” will be on display until September 24. Opening reception for both exhibits takes place on Friday, Aug. 21 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visit Mooresville Arts to learn more information.
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