Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Galloway
Hi Douglas, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up on the border of Louisiana and Texas, a region rich in cultural intersections and historical narratives. My father’s lineage traces back to West Texas cotton farmers and New Mexico cowboys, while my mother’s roots extend deep into Southeast Texas and Louisiana, reaching as far as New Orleans and Mississippi. This diverse heritage has profoundly influenced my identity, shaping my understanding of place and culture. Each city I lived in offered a unique tapestry of experiences that has informed my artistic practice. I first moved to San Antonio in the mid-1980’s, and it was truly “love at first sight.” This magical city, with its rich history, folklore, and warm people, captivated me. I immersed myself in San Antonio’s thriving art community, and with the support of many fellow artists, I began showing my work. In 1989, I had the opportunity to move to New Orleans. It was in the “Big Easy” that my career as an artist blossomed, allowing me to work on it full-time. Eventually, I moved back to Texas, but I maintained strong connections with artists, galleries, and exhibitions in New Orleans. However, everything changed with the arrival of Hurricane Katrina. Much of my artwork was lost, and all my gallery relationships were swept away. As I watched a city struggle to rebuild, I unknowingly fell into a state of depression and numbness. I set my career as an artist aside and walked away. I needed to do some soul-searching. Ten years later, my father and I were having one of our deep conversations about life. He shared old stories from his childhood and memories of the people and places that helped shape who he had become. Then he said something profound: “Doug, I wish you would go back to doing your art; you as an artist is where you are at your best.” A few months later, my father suffered a massive stroke and passed away. Amid my grief, I kept hearing his words and thought, “Why not?” I returned to San Antonio, the city that first believed in me, the place where I felt most alive, and began to paint again. This time, I approached my work with clearer wisdom and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, my art celebrates the things I hold most dear. On canvas, I tell the stories of the people and places that have been part of my journey. I hope that you, as the viewer, find yourself in these works, recalling memories of time and place that are part of your own story.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Everyone’s journey has its bumps. How we perceive these moments and our mindset significantly influence our ability to navigate through them. I believe that viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles enables us to find the resilience to move forward with confidence.
Last year was transformative for me, aptly named the “Year of Yes.” I consciously decided to embrace every artistic venture that came my way, inviting incredible experiences, growth, and challenges into my life. One major opportunity was a large gallery exhibit, requiring over 25 substantial art pieces, all while juggling seven different commissions and participating in four artist talks along with a podcast interview.
To manage this whirlwind, organization became essential. I meticulously scheduled my days and set specific goals for each task, allowing me to visualize my workload and tackle each day’s responsibilities with clarity. Additionally, I learned to focus on the present moment, which helped me cultivate a sense of calm and purpose, enhancing my productivity and creative process.
Through this journey, the Year of Yes taught me valuable lessons in seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and maintaining balance. I emerged not just as a prolific artist, but as a more resilient and confident individual. I look forward to carrying this momentum into the future, excited for the new adventures that await as I continue to embrace opportunities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
To understand my work, it’s important to know a little about the evolution of my artistic journey. My work has changed significantly over time. I began as a watercolorist, then transitioned to pastels, and later explored acrylics and oils. Eventually, I grew unsatisfied with one-dimensional paintings and moved into three-dimensional works, using a collage of found objects, metal leaf, and paint.
While my earlier works were interesting and well-executed, they often lacked the introspection that my pieces have today. Nowadays, I delve deeper into myself and create different series that tell stories from my life—some joyful and others painful and difficult. Upon returning to the art world, I started working with mixed media. I layer multiple colors of paint, one on top of the other, and then sand them down to reveal hidden hues and textures.
Each piece is finished off with a final layer of beeswax, which is one of the oldest methods of sealing artwork. We have the ancient Greeks and Egyptians to thank for this unique technique. The wax not only provides excellent protection but also adds a spectral, opaque dimension to each piece, giving it an encaustic quality and an abstract presentation.
What makes you happy?
I love to travel because it allows me to experience new places, meet new people, and create stories that enrich my life. Recently, I’ve been exploring much of Mexico. My latest series, titled “Oaxaca,” represents a deeply personal journey inspired by my experiences in Oaxaca, Mexico. This body of work celebrates the authenticity I found there, from the skilled craftsmanship of mezcal producers to the evocative expressions of local artists. It highlights the intrinsic connection between community, environment, and artistry.
One narrative that resonated with me was the vital role bats from San Antonio, TX, play in pollinating agave plants, which are essential for mezcal production. Living in San Antonio allows me to appreciate this interconnectedness firsthand and serves as a poignant reminder of how all life is intertwined within ecosystems. Through this series, I aim to evoke an appreciation for our shared humanity and emphasize the sacred bond we hold with our surroundings. It invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to nature and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.douglasgallowaystudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/douglasgallowaystudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/douglasgallowaystudio
