Gheri Lockwood: A Visionary in Contemporary Art

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Gheri Lockwood is a contemporary artist whose journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of self-discovery. From an early age, art has been an intrinsic part of her life, shaping her perception of the world and ultimately guiding her toward a career in painting. Her work is deeply personal, often exploring themes of relationships, perception, and the unseen forces that connect us all.

Lockwood's artistic path was not without obstacles. Though she possessed immense talent and a deep love for creating, she was discouraged from pursuing art professionally in her early years. Instead, she explored various fields, earning multiple degrees and even serving in the U.S. Navy. However, fate had other plans, and art never truly left her side. It was during a period of caring for her elderly father that she fully embraced her artistic calling, encouraged by a moment of clarity and heartfelt support from him. From that moment on, she devoted herself entirely to her craft.

Her self-guided education took her through the halls of some of New York City's most esteemed museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, and MOMA. These institutions became her classrooms, offering invaluable inspiration and insight from the masters. Lockwood’s admiration for artists such as Bridget Riley and Frida Kahlo fueled her determination, showing her that women, too, could leave an indelible mark on the art world.

Lockwood’s work is defined by a unique fusion of personal experience and scientific curiosity. A fascination with quantum physics informs much of her artistic approach, leading her to explore intricate relationships at a fundamental level. Her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) also played a role in shaping her technique. At one point, her hands shook too much to paint with traditional tools, but by using a stylus to apply paint, she not only adapted but also rehabilitated her ability to create freely once again.

Her paintings, often deeply subconscious in nature, take on a life of their own. They are vivid expressions of emotion and thought, capturing ideas beyond the confines of language. Each piece is a reflection of her personal evolution, a visual narrative that invites the viewer to interpret and connect on an intimate level.

Lockwood’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including Miami Beach Art Week and the Pancakes and Booze Art Show in Orlando, Florida. She has also had a solo exhibition at Cannavita in Astoria, Queens, where her paintings are currently available for purchase. Most recently, she held a solo show titled Survivor from January 27 to February 1, 2025, further solidifying her presence in the contemporary art scene. For those interested in acquiring her work, inquiries can be directed to Ovono Agency.

Looking ahead, Lockwood is brimming with creative energy, eager to push the boundaries of her artistic potential. She allows inspiration to flow naturally, trusting in the organic emergence of new ideas and projects.

Interview with Gheri

When did you begin your journey as an artist, and where did it all start? I have always been an artist. My earliest memory is when I was 2 at The World's Fair in NY. They had an area for kids with an easel and paints, my parents dropped me off and I spent the whole day blissfully painting. It was so magical that I didn't want to leave.

Around the same time there was a tv show for kids early in the morning where you could learn to draw right on the tv screen with "magic" crayons. I had regular crayons and drew. When it came time to wipe the crayon off, I couldn't get it off and in a panic, tried to lick it off. I saw that when the screen was wet you could see tiny colorful dots appear. This seriously influenced how I would look at things from then on. What was your main source of inspiration to pursue a career in art?

Even though I had many great opportunities to pursue a career in art when I was younger. I was thoroughly discouraged to do so by my family. I was suppose to get a "real" job. After many years of studying, getting multiple degrees, working in a variety of fields, and serving in the US Navy, I found myself taking care of my 92 year old dad, with dementia. He had moments of clarity so when I told him I had sold a painting and that is what I've dreamed of my whole life, his eyebrows went up and he grabbed my hand and told me how sorry he was that he held me back. I finally felt like the doors of the art world were now unlocked.

Which artists do you collaborate with or draw inspiration from?

My art school consisted of me getting on a bus and going to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, MOMA, and The Cloisters in NYC. My grandmother lived in Inwood on Arden Street a couple blocks away from Fort Tryon Park, so I could easily walk to The Cloisters since I really grew up there. spent so many hours in the museums from the time I was in a stroller just seeing the art to going there myself studying art, drawing and writing down ideas that I learned from all the greats over the decades. I also spent time in the library looking at art books and mostly honing my skills. But, when I saw that Bridget Riley had paintings in MOMA, I actually cried knowing a woman had made it. It gave me hope, as well as Frida Kahlo, and Thank you to my Nana for always loving and supporting me.

Do you have a distinct style or theme in your work? If so, how would you describe it? Seeing the dots on the tv screen came full circle when I wound up studying physics. It was quantum physics that really got me interested in seriously painting again. I wanted to explore the idea of relationships as if they were broken down to a quantum level. I have MS and for awhile could not paint or draw with a brush or pencil. My hands would shake too much. But, by using a stylist to apply paint, I wound up building up my hand again and am finally really able to draw and paint freely again.|

I find words so limiting, that in my paintings I can express many ideas and the duality in art without saying a word. My paintings are very personal, my subconscious steers my hand, so even if I have an idea for a painting, it has a life of its own and when I'm done and look at it, I can see, oh yeah, I get why I painted that.

Where can people view or purchase your artwork?

I post my art ans events on instagram @gheri_lockwood My paintings are available for sale when I show, and currently have some paintings @cannavita in Astoria Queens NYC You may also contact @Ovonoagency for serious inquiries What are some of the most recent exhibitions or shows you’ve paticipated in?

I was in Miami Beach Art Week this past December, Had a solo show and have participated in other shows at Cannavita and most recently participated in Pancakes and Booze Art Show in Orlando Florida.

What projects are you currently working on or have plans for the future?

I have quite a lot of ideas, but I never really know what it will be, they just seem to appear of their own volition. But, I am really starting to feel the need to just bust the gates down and unleash my full potential. How can people stay updated on your latest work and follow your journey?

Just follow me on Instagram @gheri_lockwood I'll keep you posted there