GJ Gillespie

GJ Gillespie is a collage artist living in a 1928 farmhouse overlooking Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, WA. A prolific artist with 22 awards to his name, his work has been exhibited in 65 shows and appeared in more than 167 publications. Beyond his studio practice, Gillespie channels his passion for art by running Leda Art Supply, a company specializing in premium sketchbooks. Whether conjuring vivid collage compositions or enabling other artists through exceptional tools, Gillespie remains dedicated to the transformative power of art.

Artist Statement:

Blood Orange GJ Gillespie, artist statement corrected In "Legend Of Xanadu" and "I Go to Pieces," GJ Gillespie explores the rich legacy of mid-century abstraction through a contemporary mixed-media lens. These works draw inspiration from two distinct masters of the era: Arshile Gorky and Paul Burlin, respectively. "Legend Of Xanadu," influenced by Gorky's biomorphic style, features cryptic figures and glyphs emerging from a layered composition. In contrast, "I Go to Pieces" channels the spirit of Burlin's work, offering a different interpretation of mid-century abstraction. Gillespie's artistic process unifies these diverse influences through a thoughtful amalgamation of materials: charcoal, collage tissue, spray paint, and unconventional elements like spackle and repurposed newspaper advertisements. This approach not only pays homage to the abstract expressionist tradition but also infuses it with a distinctly contemporary sensibility. As both an award-winning artist and the founder of Leda Art Supply, Gillespie's work reflects a lifelong dedication to the transformative power of art, whether through his own creations or by providing tools for other artists to realize their visions.