We had the good fortune of connecting with Glenn Wexler and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Glenn, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve never really been able to strike a true balance between my personal and work life. I have been fully committed to my art and business practice. I have an over whelming sense of urgency when creating and producing my work, which leaves me with little time personal endeavors.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I mainly create photo-based urban themed artworks and installations with a cultural, environmental, and space awareness. The photographs featured in my work are all shot spontaneously along my path, mainly in and around transit stations, city centers, and ethnic neighborhoods. I also document the existence and placement of nature within the proximity of architecture to make works that bring the subjects together, honoring architects, designers, and artists that have drawn inspiration from the natural world. Some of my works feature line-art or rings of illumination surrounding the centered image; these are placed in the composition as symbols of optimism, transformation, and renewal. When my work is produced as a site-specific installation, it is meant to evoke a continuous urban experience while engaging and creating a dialogue with an architectural space. In the end, my work is not just an exploration of a city or place; it’s an outlet to follow and share my sense of discovery and to encourage cultural curiosity.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When a good friend or relative comes to visit Chicago, I like to bring them to some of the art and science museums here. Additionally, I’ll take them to see some of the architectural sites. Afterwards, we’d have a meal in Chinatown or at an ethnic restaurant in one of the many culturally active neighborhoods here.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Chicago artist, Ed Paskcke, who passed away in 2004, was a major influence in my life. He helped me understand the importance of having a system or methodology when producing artwork. He was also extraordinarily curious and nurturing, and I’ve tried to carry-on in a similar fashion.
Website: glennwexlergraphics.com
Instagram: glennwexler
Image Credits
All Images: Glenn Wexler, Installation Views, Various Locations, 2009 through 2023