Gregory Paul Scheyer, the artist behind GPS Glass, started life like a lot of us did: with a skateboard. He told the Leaf that defining his own style came from learning and enjoying board sports, from something as simple as how you do a kickflip to finding zen in the mountains on a snowboard. There are no set laws and no national judges, just you and your vision of a clean landing.
“Bolts” (flawlessly landing a skateboard trick) — that’s what Scheyer desires in his artwork as well. Landing a trick perfectly requires practice and the ability to do it until you are happy with the results. It’s not about who, what, why, when or where; it’s about finding solace in your own mind. When the Leaf asked Scheyer about influences, it started with skating. His friends Michael Nicholson and Mark McCourt were mentors. They skated together, experienced life together and partied together. Fortunately, all of this happened in a “mecca” of contemporary glass art.
Eugene, Oregon, has been a cultural center for the arts and creatives for over half a century. It was here that Bob Snodgrass, the “Godfather of Glass,” put down roots in the 1970s. The art form has progressed at an amazing pace. Today, you can find dozens of studios, raw material providers and a great education base.
One of these institutions, the Eugene Glass School, is a creative space where Scheyer learned to mold something from his mind that didn’t involve carving a fresh slope or finding the perfect transition. Charles Lowrie was among the first of many teachers that would help encourage Scheyer’s playful disposition and youthful exuberance.
Scheyer said that working on large scale soft glass projects with Charles gave him a broader perspective on the bigger picture. Many can relate to this moment in our lives, when the walls come crashing down to reveal a whole world that was in front of us the whole time. Scheyer hit that slope and is still riding the wave. His style is defined by his execution. You will notice a perfect symmetry in his work. The juxtaposition of his sculptural proportions mixed with the perception of his internal vision always creates something unique and magical for the mind’s eye.
In his 30s, Scheyer had another enlightenment. “We are all a catalyst in each other’s lives, a catalyst of change,” he said. This was brought on by his realization that what we put out into the world affects others.
He said he realized part of what drives him is “never being satisfied while at the same time accepting that true perfection isn’t a real thing. But I’d rather do my best and give it all I’ve got.”
Scheyer has learned from some of the glass masters, including Robert Mickelsen, Carmen Lozar and Roger Parramore. After years of experience, personal growth and Flame Off events, he did some exploring. His travels landed him in Medford, Oregon, about 15 years ago, where he has made a home with his wife, Jenny Calaba.
Continuing to explore his mind and the world around him for inspiration, he never loses sight of the goal to always do better and be the best version of himself.
If you are craving a piece of this master’s artwork, check it out on social media.
