I was making a trip to the Society of Illustrators 'Best of...' show and was happy that Gary Kaleda was able to meet me there. It had been over a year since I had caught up with Gary at an opening to one of his gallery exhibitions. Gary is not only a good friend from college, but in my opinion one of the most talented and currently relevant artists working today.
Gary and I met at the Society and toured the show featuring highlights of 2015's best institutional and advertising illustrations. After making sure to buy a little something for my two-year-old daughter (a rainbow Cubebot), we were headed out when Gary invited me to check out one of his digital prints that was ready for pick-up.
Gary picking up a piece from his Diety 1 series
The photo above shows Gary with a half-sized print from his Diety 1 series. The true size of the limited edition of 10 prints is 5 feet tall, which must be powerful. I encourage you to check out his website, Gary Kaleda Digital Painting and gallery exhibits if you get the chance. His pieces are a wonderful blend of painterly textures, compositions and layers combined with the flat and patterned nature of digital work.
Then, it was time to go our separate ways but I hope our paths cross again soon (maybe next time with you too, Susannah!)