Please share your name

Zach Grear

How would you describe what you do? Your practice, your craft, your cash machine?

I print out vintage gay porn images and then draw on them with fine color markers. The drawings are inspired by tattoo iconography, music, and my own writing. Often I'll collage them against photos I've taken of flowers, or add digital flourish using Procreate. My cash machine is definitely my Queer Theory apparel: hoodies, totes, and tees. It means so much to me when I see them out in the world, and I hope it continues to empower people.

Can you tell us where you are from?

Born and raised in San Francisco, but New York City is home for me.

What does your morning routine look like?

Routine has become very important to me, specifically making time for my art--and protecting that time. My mornings involve breakfast with whichever book I'm reading, getting cute, walking to my favorite cafe for an oat latte, then sitting down to write and/or draw. On days I work I make sure to arrive early so I have at least an hour to devote to my art before my shift.

Where do you look for inspiration? A place, a person, a book, an action?

James Baldwin is the way, the truth, and the light for me. His adamance about his own existence and his right to express that existence will always help ground me. The Queer artistic community in NYC inspire me endlessly. Watching them create and party and pursue joy or even just leave the house as a Queer person is powerful, and I'm so lucky to be able to share in that.

What work are you most proud of?

"THE REVOLUTIONARY ACT" is one of my favorite pieces. I'm aroused by it when I look at it and feel so satisfied at the undeniable joy I see in it--the joy I had while making it. The title is from Marlon Riggs' quote "Black men loving Black men is the revolutionary act".

What has been the biggest challenge on your journey?

Trusting my growth and style as an artist is difficult. Many times I hesitate with certain pieces because I worry I'm just "doing the same thing over and over again". Which is ironic since many of the artists we're taught about are well-known BECAUSE they are easily recognizable. I wonder when that switch occurs, from "repetitive"(bad) to "recognizable"(good/respected)--probably either after your dead or after you're rich and white. Or both. There's temptation to emulate what I perceive as "successful" artists. But that's their style, and I have my style. It's challenging and frustrating, yet necessary to remember that. My style is my gift.

“What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from someone?

”If it doesn’t make you happy, get out of there!”—grandma”

— Quote Source

How do you define success? What are the goalposts you look out for?

"Success" to me means how you are deciding to live this one life you have. I've chosen to pursue and prioritize my creativity, and in turn focus on supporting other artists too. It's the most empowering and authentic feeling to know that this is the life I want and that I'm going for it. That, to me, is living successfully.

What's the best advice you've gotten from someone?

"If it doesn't make you happy, get out of there!"--grandma

Who is someone that has helped you get to where you are now? How were they impactful?

My friend Matthew Clark Davison. He was one of my instructors in college way back, and as a closeted student I was in awe of him just being an out gay creative. Many years later I'm grateful to have become friends with him; witnessing him live his life authentically in pursuit of his craft (and just releasing his debut novel!) validates my own path as a gay artist.

What are you currently listening to? What is your go to sexy song?

I'm deep into Hante. and their new album "Morning Tsunami". My fave track is "A Lifetime of Desire". It's the perfect moody, synthy, make-out with a stranger song and I melt a little whenever it comes on.

What's the last thing you bought with cash?

A delicious oat milk latte.

Portrait of Zach by M. Cooper

See more of Zach’s work at www.zachgrear.com