Glenyse Thompson is an abstract visual artist who moved to St. Petersburg from Chicago in 2010. Her media include lightfast inks, acrylics and white or gold pen on panels or paper. Glenyse says she draws inspiration from day-to-day interaction with people, conversations, Florida's lively weather, travel and everyday experiences. It all shows up in the colors and movement used to visually illustrate how she enjoys life.
"I create my work with a combination of permanent waterproof lightlast inks, acrylics and water-based media," Glenyse says. "I love a good white ink pen too."
Glenyse joined the WADA for the opportunity to promote and exhibit her art in member shows. She is also a member of @BADGuild, an organization in the bespoke art + design for residential, commercial, and hospitality environments to showcase the many talents of black artists, and designers, colleagues.
Glenyse answered some questions about her art and life:
Why did you move to St. Petersburg?
For love. After spending an inordinate amount of time in the Florida area for vacations, I jumped at the opportunity to relocate when my partner moved to Florida in 2010.
What you think about the arts community here?
When I first moved here, I felt the area was lacking cohesive arts reach. Our arts game has become more sophisticated throughout Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater. Our metros are more culturally recognized. We have wonderful new acquisitions ("Leviathan Zodiac", by Kehinde Wiley purchased by the Collectors Circle of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg) and public art collections gifted to enjoy (Purvis Young:91 Exhibition, 91 artworks gifted to the Tampa Museum of by the Rubell Family Foundation). Those collections are examples that our tri-cities are becoming tour de force. I think this is awesome; culture and the arts are central to metropolitan areas growth.
How do you feel about being an artist during this pandemic?
I was coming off a creative break during 2019 and had started creating again when COVID set in. There was just a breaking point where I had to get some easy, beautiful and simple artwork out, just for me. I signed up the the #100 Day Challenge, it is and was a good push to get me started-I created 40 little works in under two weeks. (I'll post them on my site soon, glenyse.com). I would say to any creator at this time, do a little of anything creative...create with the sole purpose of extending your medium to any visual. Create to relax, to let your mind wander, to let go. This is really the best time to let go of all expectations, impostors, and perfection, to let what flows be your salve.
Why did you join the Warehouse Arts District Association?
I joined WADA to help support the arts and creative communities in St. Pete; I'm glad to be a part of it!
Find out more about Glenyse's work here:
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