Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Turnbow.
Hi Larry, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been an artist since I was small kid. I always loved to draw, and I was something I never really thought about as a future career or profession, just something I genuinely liked to do from time to time. No one in my family is an artist really so not sure exactly was possessed me to do it, but I did. I didn’t pursue art in college, so from about age 16 to 26, it was in the back of my mind. At 26 is when I first really took it serious and decided to see what I might be able to make of a talent gone to waste. That’s also the same age I started woodburning, which kind of become my signature style. Before that, it was pretty much all good ol’ fashioned detailed pencil and paper drawings.
I pursued tattooing for a time, due to some similarity with wood burning and potential income you can make if you’re really a master of that craft. Long story short, that career path didn’t necessarily pan out, but I learned a lot being around professional tattoo artists and incorporated some of what I saw and the style into my own work, both woodburnings and paper.
Late 2019 is when I eventually met a mentor who introduced me to large world of the Fine Arts, galleries, dealers, collectors, etc. A new world for me to market my work. Most recently I put together my first show, Hidden Gems. A group exhibition where I got some of the best tattoo artist in Detroit to display canvas art in a gallery setting, along with my own work and a few other fine artists as well. The goal was to bridge the large gap between the 2 different art scenes in Detroit that I had come to know.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Trying to make a name for yourself and a consistent income can be tough as an artist. Much like the music industry for recording artists, really only a few ever do, and that’s just the reality and nature of the business. But at the core, art truly was never about money for me. I get a lot out of it besides it just being an income source. Art truly is therapy and self-exploration. So, it keeps me going not matter if people are buying my work or not.
When you make it all about money, things can get frustrating. Your reasons for why you create change, which affects WHAT you create, and you can lose your originality.
For me, art is a pure thing, and as long as I’m staying true to me with what I’m creating, things are going smooth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’d say my specialty is detail woodburning. Almost like special form of engraving. Some of the first canvases I use to use were cutting boards. Eventually started creating on tree slices, larger boards, and tables. I love my pencil and ink work on paper as well, but it doesn’t quite catch the eye like a polished wood canvas. I think it’s what I’m most known for.
What I’m most proud of though is my recent event I put together. Working not just as an artist but a curator as well. Being someone who brings artists together and creates opportunity. I do plan to create more work, but I’m most excited and continuing to grow as an art dealer/curator/facilitator. There are a lot of moving parts in the fine art world, and it’s a different part of the game I find myself very interested in.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Honestly, I think just staying true to me with all of this. Not getting lost in the mix of it all, chasing trends… trying to paint or draw like somebody else you see because they’re selling more, doing things a certain way because it’s the way everyone says you’re “supposed” to do it. A lot of big money floats around in the art world, and now more than ever. It can be easy to get caught up in that chasing after it. If I never get to that point and big-name artist and/or dealer, but I keep my internal fulfillment, continue to create things I’m proud of, put other people in positions to elevate, and in some way provide some real value to folks, I can be happy with that and whatever extra it might bring me.
Contact Info:
- Website: hiddengemsdetroit.com
- Instagram: @ljayturnbow
Image Credits
Glenn Kujansuu
Jeff Cancelosi
