I am a 49 year old gentleman who was born in Boston, spent a few early years in Japan, and now live and work in Minneapolis.

Growing up in a middle income family meant we moved a lot. I found myself drawing because it was cheap and accessible. It wasn't until Jr. high that I found I had some talent, but didn't pursue further education. I was encouraged by my peers to take up tattooing, and was able to find a brief apprenticeship where I did a little skin art.

After getting married and having a child, I decided I needed the stability of a career, and went into the printing industry. After years of 12-hour days, I had stopped drawing completely. Since then I have gone back to college, changed my career twice, and helped raise a family.

In 2015, I went through some major life changes. My wife and I parted ways, and I had to start life all over. Not sure how to move forward, I looked deep into my emotions. Words started pouring out, then drawings, and eventually sculptures.

I decided to pick up where I left off  and immersed myself in the Minneapolis art scene. I started going to art shows and galleries to see art and meet people. And with the encouragement of friends, did my first show. I eventually came across a group of artists that wholeheartedly accepted me into their group. They’ve since become my mentors, teachers and friends.

I have learned to sculpt, paint, and remain open to new ways of expressing myself through art. Most of my influences are from the Alien, Monster, and Heavy Metal cultures/genres. I like to take unconventional subjects and incorporate them into a cohesive “Beautiful Darkness."

So as I find myself on this new journey, a wonderfully dark creativity is emerging that has laid dormant for years. Thank you for letting me share a little piece of myself with you, and I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy making it.

 

Raven Gleason (Minneapolis, MN)

  • Education: Level 1 & 2 CNC Machine, Apprentice Tattoo artist

  • Medium/Style: Drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, wood working, metal working

  • Exhibitions:

Avant Gardens Cafe (Anoka main street)

Pancakes and Booze Art show (The Cabooze)  

Art in the park (Becker park city of Crystal)

Pancakes and Booze Art Show (The Cabooze)

Beauty in everybody Art show (Jac) Flats

Censored; Artist Respond Art show (Jac) Flats

Weird Sh#t Art show (A-Mill)

Unicorn Art show 4 (Jac) Flats

Wild hare Salon and Gallery (Northrup King bldg.)  Art currently on display.