A concept born out of a desire to work with artists and photographers that Team AYS know and hold in esteem due to what they are able to bring across in their work, the AYS ‘Brainchild’ Project is distinctly different than anything you’ve seen from them before. Each photographer is set to contribute photographs for the project, using pieces from Art Youth Society, and incorporating them into their own unique work of art. This project places the emphases on artistic interpretation.
GL Wood started out as a fine artist in his home town of Atlanta, GA. Once finished with his studies, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue life as a teacher. While out there, he randomly fell into photography.
Teaching got put to the side and all focus was on photography. Years later the change of careers showed many successful ventures, which led him to move to NYC. His 6 years in NYC have proved even more of a great leap in his style and career.
With clients including Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Dazed and Confused, Marie Claire, Nylon, W, and celebrity clients of the likes of , Nicki Minaj and Jessie J.
By combining photography with his fine art background both of his loves have come full circle it seems.
So, first: Where are you from, where are you now and where will you be in 10 years?
Originally I am from Atlanta GA. I live in New York City now. I have been here for 6 years. Previously I was living in Los Angeles for 6 years. In 10 years I would love to be living in Europe, either Paris or some where in Italy.
How did you join the society (of photography artists) and why?
I became a photographer by accident. After graduating from University of Georgia, I moved to LA to go to grad school. I wanted to be a teacher. One of the schools i confused with another school. Instead of be a graphic design school, it was a photography based school. I took this as a sign and figured I would give it a shot, see where it takes me.
What does art mean to you? Do you consider yourself as an artist?
Art to me; basically it is creating something from the ground up. It can be anything really, food, music, film, photography, paints, etc. The biggest issue I have with the word ART is that people expect some kind of MEANING, to you art. I don’t believe all ART has to have a particular or social MEANING. Just let it speak to you. I would say I am a artist, but more so a mixed media artist. I am not focused on one certain style; example, oil painting. I used a variety of tools to mix together to create a final image or product.
Youth is an attitude to life. Which aspects are essential for you?
Friends, Love, and Family
Which kind of editorial do you want to shoot, if budget was nothing to think about?
I would love to have a very conceptual shoot that involves a lavish location. Something gloomy, something scary, something that used to be loved. Something that takes a week to shoot. I am always shooting on deadline and under budget, so I am pressed to make a lot with nothing.
You combine your fine art background with photography. The picture for the »AYS«-art-project reflects that perfectly. It shows the wild side of »AYS« and foregrounds the name »Art Youth Society«. Did you have a wild youth?
I was a late bloomer. As a child and in highschool I was very shy. It wasn’t until I moved to LA at 21, where I actually busted out of my shell. Thus making up for lost time and experiences. From 21-28, i would say I did have some wild and bad times haha. Roughness and imperfection do not really come to mind thinking of the shiny fashion world.
What does Mr HarveyDent, your dog mean to you?
Mr. Harvey Dent is my best buddy. He helped stop me from going down a bad path a couple years back. He helped ground me and gave me responsibility.
You started working as a teacher, did this experience lesson you? What did you learn?
I always loved to help and teach others. I never had anyone teach me or guide me in the path way I choose. I mainly learned from my own faults and successes. It’s still a struggle sometimes and I learn new things all the time.
Interview by Sarah Krause
