My name is Greg Carlson, and Eyemnkogneeto is the more eccentric side of my persona that thrives on painting. Over time, I've realized that most artists don't exactly lead bustling social lives, and that creating art is rarely a quick process; it demands a tremendous amount of time and solitude. I'll admit, my social life is practically nonexistent. I spend my days either painting or thinking about painting, often at the expense of relationships. So, at least on paper, I fit the description of an artist. That's where Eyemnkogneeto comes in.
"Life imitates art and art imitates everything else. That's just how it is for me as an artist."
A good artist can persuade people to see the world through their lens, but a great artist aims to disrupt, to provoke questions, and to shift a stranger's perspective, even if only for a moment. That's the path I want to follow. My goal is to make people pause and think. If a painting leaves you confused, it can open doors in your mind you might never have noticed otherwise. Art that sparks free thought is what gives the world its color and character. I want to live in such a world, to help color it, and maybe expand the minds of those who are wrestling with their own perceptions—just enough to make a difference.
I love drawing, especially with graphite, but watercolor is my true passion. I've always gravitated toward sketching and watercolors, and while I've experimented with other mediums, watercolor is what resonates with me most, so I've stuck with it. I can't see myself using anything else regularly—except for drawing and photography, which I also enjoy. I'm not entirely sure why I ended up painting surrealism or why watercolor became my go-to. Maybe I was a weird kid, or maybe I'm just a bit offbeat now. Who knows? In the end, it doesn't really matter—we become who we're meant to be, sometimes before we even realize it.
Surrealism appeals to me because it lets me explore the darker, often overlooked corners of my mind. It's like a flashlight in the dark, just enough light to let my imagination run wild. Sometimes, after finishing a painting, I wonder if there's something a little odd about me. But then I laugh, knowing there probably is, and move on to the next piece. My mind might work a bit differently than most, but that's fine by me—as long as it's working.
Most of what I know about art and painting I've picked up on my own, through secondhand books and plenty of trial and error. I'm a self-taught artist—uninformed, misdiagnosed, and learning as I go. I can't claim to be an expert, but I've made enough mistakes to sound like I know what I'm doing. I keep the good paintings.
I almost always carry a watercolor sketchbook (when it's warm) and often a camera, since I love photography. If I spot a tree that looks like something from The Simpsons or see a shape in the woods that makes me pause, I'll sit and sketch before heading back to my "studio" (which is really just my kitchen), fueled by coffee and late-night radio, embracing insomnia and seclusion for a week or so. Wash, rinse, repeat.
If you enjoy my art, that makes the solitude worthwhile—send me an email and let me know! If my art isn't your thing, that's okay too. But I encourage you to find art or an artist you do connect with, and let them know they're on the right path—or even buy a piece! There's art out there for everyone, and supporting artists helps keep the world vibrant. When you find a painting you love, buy it. Brighten your world in your own way, commission something if you like, and don't be shy. Starving artists are everywhere, each trying to make the world a bit more beautiful in their own way. So come on in and explore the damage of my thought patterns.
I hope you enjoy my art.
Surrealism is the way—especially when you finally see it!
Greg Carlson
