We recently had the chance to connect with Torenzo Gann and have shared our conversation below.
Torenzo, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Pick one or more: broken relationships, health issues, guilt/regret about choices made, or being a victim of physical or emotional abuse, battling an addiction to alcohol, or other drugs, gambling, or pornography. The world is perilous; however, men, women, and children can overcome these challenges IF they choose to.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Our world is precarious and full of great peril. Throughout history, humankind has survived numerous ferocious obstacles. This time in history is no different. We are resilient. We confront challenges. We overcome adversity. We thrive.
In my personal life, I faced and overcame the perils of drug abuse and mental illness. When the joy and thrill of my alcohol and drug use crumbled, I crumbled along with it. As a result, I sought help.
The life-changing treatment process inspired me to leave the art world and become a certified alcohol and drug counselor so that I could help others affected by addiction.
Years later, I rediscovered my original passion for painting and creating art, and what a thrill and wonder it is!
One of my goals in creating works of art is to portray the contradictions we all experience in life.
Contradictions are a source of inspiration. The conflict between light and shadow, order and chaos, and reality and imagination fuels my creative process. I use various media to explore and express these dichotomies, creating works of art that challenge perceptions, evoke deep emotional responses, and, hopefully, provoke contemplation.
Another goal is to comfort the disturbed by evoking a sense of hope, as seen in the beauty of creation, and to disturb those who are comfortable by provoking feelings of urgency that call for action.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
It was an accumulation of many moments over time with numerous individuals that taught me that people are resilient and can overcome enormous obstacles, if we choose to, and rise above our circumstances, we become victors rather than victims. We choose to rise and thrive or remain in our pity and suffer.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Ah, what a great question. During my childhood, there was daily chaos in my home—lots of yelling and arguing and other stuff from my parents that I’ll leave out. Most of the time when it got noisy in my house, I would go into the basement or my bedroom, close the door, and start drawing. I drew many terrible pictures (lol) of Elvis, cars, and lots of images of trees near the edge of cliffs. Thinking back, I remember how my drawing seemed to drown out the noise from the other side of my bedroom door, creating a mindful oasis of peace. That was my escape and also the beginning of my journey as an artist.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. One’s public life needs to mirror their private life because it fosters authenticity, trust, and integrity.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Making the effort to do my best regardless of my circumstances is essential to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TorenzoArt.com
- Instagram: i_am_torenzoGann
Image Credits
Photo of Christo Skirts My Glove by John Ciambriello, Stuart, Florida
