Gary Wilson

Now living in Simpsonville, South Carolina, Gary Wilson has been working as a professional artist since 1969. After receiving his B.F.A. from Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and an M.F.A. from Michigan State University, Mr. Wilson taught as an Associate Professor of Art at Monroe Community College from 1971 until 2016, where his course load included Ceramics, Drawing, Art History, Art Appreciation and Creativity. With the help of his wife, Linda, Gary has participated in art festivals for over 45 years during the summer months and was also represented by galleries as well as hosting a large Christmas show in his home every year. Besides those responsibilities, Mr. Wilson was active as an elder in his church in Monroe, Michigan and he and his wife worked regularly with young adult ministries. Gary has won many awards over the years including “Best of Shows”, “First Places”, “People’s Choice Awards”, and countless others. His work has been installed in hospitals, churches, nursing homes, funeral homes and universities, including Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. With over 45 years of teaching experience, Mr. Wilson has developed a number of presentations related to clay, art history and creativity with spiritual insights into each. He has done workshops for many colleges, universities, artist groups and churches. His familiarity with art history and in particular the symbolism of Christian art give him an unusual perspective into the purposes of art. His presentation documenting his search for a style of his own is particularly appreciated by aspiring artists who are searching also for their style. Having developed a college course in creativity which he has taught for over 40 years, he is able to communicate to others how to take the mystery out of the creative process. Gary sums up his artistic purpose this way: “In recent years I feel that the role of my art is changing. I believe that the purpose of my art is to be ministerial, to bring healing and hope into a world that desperately needs both. My prayer is that God will touch all those who ‘pass by’ and take the time to engage in the art and that a blessing will come with the encounter.

Examples of Work

In the fourth and final video of “Conversations with Gary,” Mr. Wilson shares some examples of his work. 

How Do You Get Ideas

Christian artist and retired art professor, Gary Wilson, converses with WP Films Director Darren Wilson about methods to generate ideas for creative works.

Biggest Regret

With an impressive professional résumé under his belt, artist and creative Gary Wilson answers the big question, “What is your biggest regret?” 

Is There Such a Thing as Christian Art

Gary Wilson and his son, WP Film Director Darren Wilson, answer the question of whether art can be Christian?

The Characteristics of the Creative Personality

This in-depth study of the creative personality will shed some light on the often misunderstood workings of creativity and will remove some of its mystery.

8 Qualities of the Creative Mind

If a person wants to begin to increase their creative production, it will be necessary to develop as many of these mental attitudes as possible.

The Art of Creative Thinking: Part 2

Is it possible to be balanced between convergent and divergent thinking? Of course, it is possible. In fact, that is the goal. But this often requires work.

The Art of Creative Thinking: Part 1

We see that we are all born creative. After all, we are made in God’s image, and the first thing God tells us about Himself is that He is creative.

Inspiration and Imagination

God never erases us. He works through us by allowing us to share in His imagination. Your product will always carry your personality as well as God’s.

The Theories of Michelangelo

In his late works, Michelangelo puts aside all knowledge of the human body and his learning about art and goes back to creating his inner images in a naive and direct way, obeying only the dictates of his soul.

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