We were lucky to catch up with Geno Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Geno, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Quite honestly, I was living and working my purpose without even realizing it. I had been creating art and providing a platform for other artists to express themselves and gain experience since 2003, but in 2007 I was diagnosed with Kidney Failure and in only what seemed like a moment now still having my art to work on however slowly, saved my life. My focus became clearer. Dialysis would drain all my energy 3 times a week for 4 hours, but the other days being able to work on my art gave me my life back. In those moments is when I realized that art has a healing effect on mind, body and soul. It fortifies one’s will, and confidence and I decided then to keep moving forward creating and to help other artists navigate through some of the processes that prove themselves to be exclusive rather than inclusive based on a myriad of criteria that in my opinion really have nothing to do with the creation and exhibition of art.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an Abstract Expressionist (visual artist) and Curator. I have been creating art and providing platforms for artists to show their work for 20+ years. I am the Director of an artist’s group called Power of Abstraction which provides networking, exhibition experience and guidance navigating through the creative culture in Detroit specific to abstract artists. I also run an arts program called, “Art on the Riverfront” which works to give exposure to local Detroit artists by providing a commercial venue space for group and solo exhibitions on a revolving basis. It is my goal to provide opportunities for artists to gain experience and exposure free of stifling preference by a limited few, with a criterion that is broad enough to still ensure excellent work by the artists involved but to foster inclusivity on a greater scale.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think that being a creative already before I started being an artist certainly set the stage for the journey I am on now. Being able to recognize that what I was doing satisfying on a cellular level, and it simply made my heart happy. Lastly, I think the part of me that can identify people of a like mind is probably my biggest asset and has helped me the most and the creatives that have been in my life for the past 20 years since I started is a testament to that fact.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Dear friend Cherrie Woods. An Author/Poet and P.R. Expert she was instrumental in guiding me through my formative years as an artist. As a publicist she helped me gain access to spaces and places that I would not have been able to get into on my own. As an emerging artist at the time most would operate in obscurity but with her help and insight, I was able to work at my craft and sell my work steadily which is often unheard of so early on in artist’s career. Her work ethic is without equal and is probably the most valuable thing that she imparted to me that I now pass on to the artists that I work with now. Without her help and guidance, the artist Geno Harris would not exist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/Onegsirrah69/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onegsirrah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geno.harris1/
Image Credits
Geno Harris
