Dan Gregory, aka “Mr. Dan”
Gregory, 39, describes himself as a Northwest born and raised artist living his dream, drawing for a living.
The 1994 Marysville Pilchuck High School graduate is owner of 1976 It’s Just Art, a studio in Seattle. He has a permanent booth at Pike Place Market.
His latest drawings depict “a bunch of fictional characters all waiting in line for ‘Star Wars.’”
What are you wearing?
4 bracelets, 9 rings, 1 watch, sunglasses all the time, skate shoes and lots of the color black.
What influence did your Snohomish County upbringing have on your art?
I was the kid drawing in every class all the time. I did all my studying and homework at the last possible second. Mrs. (Julie) Coburn, my art teacher at MPHS, will always stand out in my mind as one who really encouraged my art and creativity. Mrs. Coburn, thank you.
Why Star Wars?
I’m a big Star Wars fan. I like to draw things related to my life, so a lot of Star Wars.
How do you describe your drawings?
The artwork is inspired by pop culture and my journey through it. The characters always take on their own stories in my mind, so I draw them above and beyond the real movie.
What’s the price range?
The limited edition Star Wars prints, 11-by-17, numbered and signed, is $100 for the set of four.
Other prints of my drawings: 8-by-10 for $10 and 11-by-14 for $20. Buy two, get a third for free. I call that my get love-give love policy. I sell hand-painted designs on recycled vinyl records as well.
Which Star Wars character would you most like to have a beer with?
I would enjoy a cold brew with Princess Leia, because she has Jedi potential.
Biggest worry as an artist:
That I will die without accomplishing all of my ideas.
Biggest joy:
I get to do for a living what I’m passionate about.
Three things in your art tool kit:
Micron and Prismacolor pens and markers. And a pencil.
Favorite thing or person to draw:
Robots.
Finish this sentence: People are shocked…
That I had gray hair when I was 15.
Pet peeve:
Annoying people.
Guilty pleasure:
Candy.
Three things in your fridge:
Chocolate milk. Homestyle Ranch dressing. H2O.
Most memorable meeting at Pike Place Market:
Billie Joe Armstrong, lead singer of Green Day, bought one of my paintings. Matt Hensley and Lizard King, both pro skateboarders.
What do you want people to know about Pike Place Market?
Pike Place is full of creative, hard-working artists and crafters who endure long hours and harsh weather to bring you truly unique products made with love and passion.
What do you want people to know about art?
Art is everywhere. Observe, absorb and enjoy.
“Do what makes you truly happy”. — Mr. Dan
— Andrea Brown
Do you know someone we should get to know better? Send suggestions to abrown@heraldnet.com or call 425-339-3443.
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