Grant Turner
He/Him
Wapakoneta, Ohio , USA
Grant Turner (He/Him) is a multidisciplinary artist from Wapakoneta, Ohio. Turner brings his illustrations to life through the arts of enameling, metalsmithing, and digital fabrication. His artistic process reflects the layering of possibilities, turmoil, heartache, love, and hope that accompany the human experience. Grant received his BFA in Digital Arts from Bowling Green State University in 2022. Since graduating, Grant has worked as an educator and resident artist in association with Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft and most recently Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
“Grant Turner is a multimedia artist from Wapakoneta, Ohio. His practice first began as a study to find universal truths—in turn, alleviating anxieties and fears—but that focus quickly shifted gears after being diagnosed with adult epilepsy. The seizures he experiences only occur during his sleep, leaving him helpless throughout the night. In his work, the creatures and characters he creates call for protection not only for him but for others who face similar adversities. His work takes the form of large-scale vitreous enamels, all hand-sawn and kiln-fired. Turner’s work is illustrational and graphic, with influences from cartoons and media he absorbed while young, all combined with the bright colors of the graffitied train cars that pass through his hometown. Guarded yet open, these creatures combine figure and form with danger, disaster, comfort, and magic.”
www.gartslap.com
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
“Without my work I would still be in some bed.
After I earned my undergraduate degree, I had several sets of seizures resulting in my hospitalization. My seizures strike me in my unconscious mind while I sleep, making me unaware that I was epileptic. After my official diagnosis, I was very fortunate to be awarded two artist residencies, allowing me to continue to grow my portfolio while gaining important instructor skills. The first residency was at Pocosin Arts and the second one was at Arrowmont. While at Arrowmont, I had a set of breakthrough seizures, prompting my doctors to request that I leave the residency. I declined, hoping I would make it through the rest of the program unscathed. Thankfully, I did. Through this whole process of discovering my nocturnal seizures and traveling to my residencies, I have found that my work has helped me grow the most. It has given me the most strength and protection. I know I got out of that bed to keep making—not just for me but for others too.”
"but if you shut the fuck up i’d miss you :(", Laser engraved enameled copper, 11.5” x 7.5”, 2024 How does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“As a very sensitive adult with epilepsy I've found that my creative practice is essential for me; to not only flourish, but create balance, mental well-being, and stability within my life. On days when my sensory issues are really challenging my practice allows me to escape. Whether that be sketching out ideas or sawing out designs, both ways of play free my tight mind. The creatures/characters I make are summoned to protect me and those that also struggle with similar adversities, bringing me peace while creating. Keeping a regular studio practice helps keep my mental health in check as well too. Making sure that I am tapped into studio energy rather than the energies of the people around me, focusing on my growth rather than others.”
"Idht2tutbiturcute (i didn’t have time to tell you this but i think your cute)", Laser engraved enameled copper, 10.5” x 6.5”, 2024
"if only the knight sky saw that :(", Laser engraved enameled copper, 11” x 7”, 2025As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“I am currently working on applying to graduate programs, and I hope that this will bring me the opportunities I need to flourish. This will allow me access to professional studios and staff. I am hoping to grow my work into the round more, to work more sculpturally. With an MFA, I am hoping to work on creating or working with existing craft organizations in Northwestern Ohio. This stems from growing up in this area and not feeling that I had the proper access to art programs upon reflection. I know establishing more craft programs in Ohio would help me flourish.”
“The works that I have applied are all enameled wall mounts. As a metalsmith I do not often make wearables for the body but for space. These mounts adorn spaces much like a brooch may adorn you or your outfit. Filling these spaces with their protective energy, watching over those who enter and exit.”
Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
Photographs Courtesy of the Artist