Visit the Studio with Glenyse Thompson

Within the work of artist Glenyse Thompson, we see bright colors, rich patterns, and sea-like reflections inspired by her home in Florida. Glenyse’s art shows the vibrant connections between humans, a trippy, beautiful visual representation of our conversations and relationships.

Like a cool swim on a hot day, let’s dive right into Glenyse’s home studio and art practice!

What materials do you use?

I create primarily on white or black paper, panel, and canvas. Single layers of waterproof inks, watercolor, and acrylic paint are added, each layer air-drying. I love creating on paper, as it gives me the most “flow” in terms of how the colors show up; paper gives back to me in expression of color. I added canvas and panels to experiment, to stretch myself and found that I enjoyed the results.

What is your artwork about? What does it speak to?

Ultimately my work is about people and how we need each other. Each hand-drawn line represents a conversation, with yourself, another person, at a party, grocery store, in everyday life, etc. The background colors represent people. My work is about how we interact with each other and how we take for granted how much we need one another. Where would you be if you could not have a conversation with another person?

Where do you get your inspiration?

Straight-ahead jazz. Sometimes I’m listening to music and I could imagine if this particular song had vocals, what would it say? What would that look like in my medium? Are the notes being translated into a conversation of sorts? As a listener I can see and hear how the jazz greats “talk” to each other with their instruments. I like to translate my version of this to the paper, panel, or canvas. I also enjoy people-watching; I love to see how people interact with one another.

What is your typical routine when you get to the studio?

My day in the studio starts the evening before with a list for the next morning. Once I hit the studio, I usually blow that list off for a little while, just to get my head in the game. I’ll skim the news (Culture Type, QZ.com, The Skimm, and an email from the New York Times), drink 8-16 oz of cold water, and two cups of coffee.

Depending on the day of the week, it may be admin day, where I sit down and think about how and what kind of marketing will be done for the next two weeks. Or it could be reading, packing, finance or research day. Each weekday, one of those topics will come first, and then I create work. I try to network everyday — reach out and speak personally to folks — you cannot create in a vacuum. Monday through Friday I work every morning between 4:30AM to 8:00AM. I also create three evenings a week and one weekend day.

Do you work at a particular size or scale?

I work from 6 inch circles up to 24x36 inches. This scale is dictated by my current space limitations. On my goal list is signing the lease for my studio, but I need to make sure I am able to support that expenditure before committing. I am looking forward to one day painting 7x12 feet or larger works.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on creating custom artwork for a global licensing deal. I can’t currently divulge any details…but it’s exhilarating to know my work will be more globally recognized!

Which artists most inspire you and your work?

Lowery Stokes Sims is a curator (not an artist) but she is an encyclopedic tower of knowledge on Black women artists that focus on abstraction. Mildred Thompson, her use of color and form, oh man, it’s just gorgeous. Howardena Pindell, Wilfredo Lam, the artists of Africobra, Malene Barnett, the artists of Black Artists and Designers Guild, Bisa Butler, Sachi Rome (her complicated, textural, figurative abstracts are stunning!). I have a lot to inspire me.

Do you balance another job in addition to being an artist?

I’m an Executive Assistant by day. At 8:00AM ET I’m 100% in EA mode!

Do you have any current or upcoming exhibits? Please share!

I’m slated for a five-year “retrospective” taking place at the Morean Center in 2021. I’m looking forward to it as I participated in “Fresh Squeezed 2” at the Morean a few years back. It was my first professional studio visit, photo shoot and installation of 20 pieces of my work.

I’d love to show at Art Miami or Art Basel Miami 2020 if it is not cancelled due to COVID….no, I have not received an invite yet but I am putting it into the universe. I’ll keep you all posted on the outcome of the request. ☺

We hope you’ve enjoyed this special peek into Glenyse's creative process and unique vision condition! Even in a virtual age, we encourage all budding collectors to take the time to connect with the artists you love directly.

We want to remind you of our awesome artist messaging feature directly on the Art in Res site––reach out now and foster that creative energy! Have more questions for Glenyse on her art and practice? Follow up with her directly via our messenger. We know she’ll be thrilled to answer any questions you might have. Ask about a specific painting or about her specific process in general––either approach works!