Celebrating the Artistry of Gregg Blasdel: A Lifetime of Creative Passion

Gregg Blasdel, an influential figure in the art community, dedicated his life to recognizing self-taught artists. He was known for both his artistic achievements and simple joys like perfecting daikon radish cakes. Throughout his career, he preserved unique art environments and fostered relationships with artists, ultimately demonstrating that creativity permeated every facet of life until his passing in June 2024.

Gregg Blasdel, who passed away in June 2024, was an influential figure in the art world, particularly in recognizing self-taught artists. At 83, he exemplified a life rich in creativity, embracing small victories like a perfected recipe or teaching tricks to his cat Tootone. While celebrated for his extensive contributions to art history, he equally cherished simpler accomplishments, a core aspect of his heartfelt approach to life and art.

Blasdel dedicated his life to studying and documenting outsider art, helping to elevate self-taught artists to recognition in mainstream art. Since the 1960s, he conducted extensive research and created exhibitions for institutions, often being the sole historian of unique art environments across the U.S. His early article “The Grass-Roots Artist” was pivotal in showcasing these artists to a broader audience.

Born in Belle Plaine, Kansas, Gregg grew up surrounded by creativity; his mother was an oil painter, and local artist David Rousseau inspired his young mind with a fantastical concrete model city. With an instinct to capture and preserve unique forms of art, he committed himself to documenting these creations, believing they deserved visibility and longevity.

After earning his MFA from Cornell University, he curates exhibitions and teaches art and history at colleges, including Saint Michael’s College. Blasdel’s work was noted for its technical precision without the obsessive qualities he found in other artists’ installations, so he intuitively followed his creative instincts, leading to generation-defining prints and sculptures.

Blasdel’s journey in art also involved building meaningful relationships with fellow artists, such as the eccentric Clarence Schmidt and Burlington artist Paul Humphrey. These friendships revealed the hidden beauty of art through diverse lenses, demonstrating Blasdel’s fascination with both the creative process and the artists themselves. His daughter Oakley vividly recalls the immersive environments he sought out on these artistic adventures.

This tribute to Gregg Blasdel is part of a series remembering notable Vermonters who passed in 2024. Blasdel’s life story illuminates his deep commitment to art, teaching, and nurturing artists, especially those often overlooked in traditional art circles. His understanding and respect for art’s many forms and its creators reflect the essence of artistic expression and creativity’s vital role in everyday life.

Gregg Blasdel’s legacy extends beyond artistic contribution; it’s woven through his patience, curiosity, and deep empathy for others in the community. His life exemplified a harmonious blend of art and daily existence, inspiring those around him to view creativity as an everyday privilege. As a teacher, artist, and friend, Blasdel’s profound impact resonates as a celebration of creative spirit, affirming that every day can indeed be about art.

Original Source: www.sevendaysvt.com