The Black Jackson Pollock

Thanks to Twitter I recently discovered an extremely talented artist, Gregory Pitts better known as The Black Jackson Pollock. Someone that I follow retweeted one of Greg's tweets. His Twitter handle, Blackjkspollock piqued my interest so I knew I had to check his Twitter timeline. He sent me a link so that I could learn more about his work and I was impressed by all his paintings. He is well deserving of being called the Black Jackson Pollock.

Greg was even nice enough to send me a painting:

When I opened the package I couldn't help but smile because I LOVE abstract paintings. I had the chance to interview Greg as well. I hope you enjoy learning more about Greg and if you get a chance to visit Miami next month for Art Basel, be sure to to stop by his show.

 How long have you been painting?

I did my first self-portrait 10 years ago. I stopped for a few years while I did freelance photography for various magazines as well as some acting.

Tell me about your formal training?
I do not have any formal training but have done a lot of independent study.

How would you describe your art?
I would describe my art as diverse, abstract and "from the soul." It comes from my gut. Each piece is different and I never know the specific medium until I am half-way through the painting.

What inspires your art?
My art is inspired by life.

Where do you see yourself in the next 2 to 5 years?
In the next 2 to 5 years, I see myself owning a gallery and being in museums in countries I've never heard of and even having my art in the Vatican.

What is the story behind your name, the Black Jackson Pollack?
Actually I did not choose that name. I had been doing photography for 30 years and one night, I was out at an art walk event and stopped by a gallery that had recycled paper from the Philipines for sale. I bought 20 sheets of the paper in different sizes and painted abstract artwork on this special paper. I chose to sell the art and give the proceeds to the organization "Mission Gifts", whose mission is to rescue children and young women from human trafficking. When I took the piece to the gallery, an elderly lady said that it reminded her of a Jackson Pollock and that I should call myself 'The Black Jackson Pollock." I had no idea of who he was because I had been doing photography for 30 years.

Greg's websites:
The Black Jackson Pollock
His art work