Daniel Bernard Gray Artist in Resident 2014

Daniel Bernard Gray

Daniel Bernard Gray

Daniel Bernard Gray completed his bachelor of fine arts in painting at Texas State University. Born in Vienna, Austria, to Finnish and American parents and raised in Texas, he incorporates his international perspective into his artwork. Whether through found-sound composition, painting, sculpture or music, he seeks to explore the elements of conflict and resolution that underlie the universal human condition. He also is an academic advisor in Texas State's College of Liberal Arts and co-director of Zosima Gallery in San Marcos, Texas.

 

Daniel Bernard Gray's "The Walls Had Doors and the Doors Were Open to Anyone With the Will and the Heart to Get Here”

Daniel Bernard Gray

 

During our residency at Petrified Forest, we shot a short film that reimagines the history of the land comprising the park. Our cast consisted of artifacts from the park's collections and children's toys set against backdrops of art, writing and the land itself. Using stop-motion and time-lapse photography, we created a story that acknowledges the innocent aspects of historical ignorance while satirizing the lack of critical thought that allows stereotypes and misinformation to persist in the face of known facts.

It was a thrilling experience to work in this beautiful place and to be entrusted with the task of interpreting it. We felt very privileged to have access to the rangers, researchers and their knowledge. We never imagined that we would have so many doors open to us for exploring the land and its history. Our public art day at the Painted Desert Inn was one of the most rewarding events of our stay—we made sunprints with visitors from around the world. The people who live, work and play in Petrified Forest are as remarkable as the awe-inspiring landscape.