Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Alan Jankowski.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
A long time graphic artist and painter I’ve always loved the combination of the written word and images to invoke thought, feeling and inspirational action.
My first paid job was sign painting for a local barber in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio. I remember how proud I was working with my Dad and getting a free haircut and a couple of bucks in my pocket. My Dad was also super creative, insightful and full of love and excitement about life forever inquisitive and exploring. This gave myself and my siblings an attitude of “What if? let’s try that, and Go for it!.” My family all recognized these similar energies in me and looking back the first common thing I realized I had with my Dad (and one of his Uncles) was that we were all left handed, so that made a little sense because my Great Uncle Frank was a wonderful oil painter. My Dad’s medium was more a writer with some illustration added in. He was always taken in by a good story a ferociously curious reader there were always stacks and stacks of books he was going to read, read or finished underlining key engaging sentences. My Dad, A. Ivan Jankowski a true renaissance man and I feel as I am carrying his, mine and other future creative flame bearers of exploration, creativity and truth.
That in itself now that I reflect on my life at my current age explains the many adventures I have taken on in my life from Rock n Roll bands, the USAF, Advertising jobs in Chicago, Fitness Trainer, Inventor, Author and Balance Educator. The one thing I do know for sure along with natural creativity and an inquisitive mind nurtured by my Dad’s motto of “Enjoy Yourself! and Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down!” when combined with my Mom’s top three, “Work Hard, Save Your Money and Stay Out of Trouble, I am super blessed to have an amazing upbringing. It is the major reasons I have and am having an adventure of a lifetime with a solid foundation of love, respect and faith which is truly priceless.
Please tell us about your art.
I guess for me having Mentor’s in your life whom support and help guide you on your quest is essential. I have had many some whom presented themselves unknowingly at the time and many attracted to who made a powerful positive impact on me. Even though I had a couple pauses in my painting career, I have now realized I have many more creations waiting to share with the world around me. I find an immense fulfillment and many rewards in my life one is working with individuals improving their active quality of life as a professional Fitness Trainer / Wellness Coach since 1992. Now once again, I am creating powerful new images and powerful color with my latest series, “Where WHO Belongs”, with obvious and sometimes subliminal messages splashed across canvas to make a difference, instill a smile for my community near and far.
Now three years deep and once again immersed in the painting world and as long as I can hold a brush I will continue to pride myself in being able to proudly enjoy the ride, my talents and my ability to share my creations with the world. It is almost indescribable how rewarding it is to be able to share a philosophical thought or a steadfast opinion through color cloaked original images bestowing viewers with flowing compositions to help unveil glimpses of other individuals own unique self-discovery.
As a lifelong practicing artist since the age of 10, the inclusion of type and its flowing edges have always helped enhance my pieces to grab a viewer’s attention, so I may engage them with specific feelings of wonder and encouragement or how much that haircut is in the window.
If it’s coaching my fitness clients on how to sculpt and best improve themselves on the physical plane or expressing ideas with line and color and sharing them on a creative, social or spiritual plane the experience is the same. Magical. The imaginative potential of the body, mind and soul is always to be honored and revered. With the constant self-question of…
“What is the experience of truly being alive?”
I truly believe recognizing and honoring god given talents, nurturing lifelong passions, seeking out mentors and participating fully with those who share the same is key to complete this social order we all seek to find and hopefully share with one another.
That to me is the only true ART to investigate and I try as best as I can to raise a bit of that question to my community and fellow man in each of my works.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Keep producing! Especially what inspires you that is at the heart of it all.
The life of an Artist is not easy, but if you pursue what you are passionate about this is the only true original start. When you fall down get back up. Lift your chin and believe in your true nature what engages both your mind and your heart the rest is the rest. Dare to dream figure out a sustainable path which provides the essentials for life and continue your quest. The passion it’s just that easy.
Ask Yourself: “If I had all the money I needed to do anything I wanted what would be the first thing you would want to go do when you first wake up just before your feet hit the floor.”
My early career began in the advertising industry and as it ended up, I needed to delay my painting path to explore the medium of “human sculpture” educating myself how to sculpt, shape and redefine my body and share the know how as a personal trainer in the fitness industry.
I realized I was utilizing my creative energies to promote things I did not believe in, participate with, consume or want to be a part of. There was something more for me. We all have our path to find.
What would be nirvana in your mind? Where does your bliss come from? Channel yourself, believe in yourself, find a mentor, like minded peers and organize a plan to help sustain that vision.
GO FOR IT!
The World is Waiting for You.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
•SEE MY WORK
Online people may view my gallery of work on my website www.gregalanjankowskiart.com where I currently offer limited edition prints.
Also you can search with “Greg Jankowski” at www.Redbubble.com where I offer a variety of items for those interested in gifts, posters, t-shirts and other various memorabilia featuring images of my work.
- COMMISSION A CUSTOM PAINTING
Have a Canine you want to highlight or honor and cherish for a lifetime?
“For if not for the loving relationships with our
K9 friends, how would these buried scents of
true unconditional love be turned to discover.”
–Greg Alan Jankowski
Custom Pet Artist Greg Alan Jankowski captures and honors special moments in time with original pet portraits to be enjoyed and treasured for a lifetime. Artist GAJ creates original custom storytelling paintings featuring your beloved K9 and special super star loved ones. CANINE CHARACTER offers a unique colorful lifelong gift for any special occasion lifting spirits and celebrating your one of a kind “man’s best friend” relationship.
- CORPORATE
Commissioned Pieces/HR Retreats/Specials Events Fundraising/LIve Art Events
For more info on how to commission a work or to bring GAJ to your next event contact us at [email protected]
SPRING 2019
I am currently preparing to do my first public exhibit offering my original paintings and limited prints for sale next spring at the Beverly Hills Art Show May 2019.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gregalanjankowskart.com
- Phone: 310 422-8120
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: #balanceprofessor and #gregalanjankowskiart
- Facebook: greg jankowski
- Twitter: @balanceprofesso
Image Credit:
GREG ALAN JANKOWSKI
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Garry Jankowski
October 2, 2018 at 14:22
Nice!