Arts Week

Gregory Lenz, Provincetown Photographer

I knew that I was in love with Gregory Lenz’s work from the first moment I saw it on Facebook. Other artists in Provincetown talk about the light; Gregory captures it. His photographs call to a dreamland where light is engulfing and hope is possible. So I was delighted when he accepted my invitation to be on the show.

I was even more taken with him once I read his artist’s statement: “Well said by Pablo Picasso: ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift, as the purpose of life is to give it away.’ I take no credit for my gift of artistic talent, as I believe it comes from a higher source of the Universe. Artists are merely the bodies chosen as tools to fulfill the world’s need of art and to help others see life from a different perspective. The direction of which I find most pleasing is that of peace and gentleness. If, through my writing and photography, I can help someone see the ‘soul’ of the earth, the soul of an animal or of another human being in a more peaceful manner, than I have fulfilled my expected duties as an artist.”

But even after all that, I was unprepared for the gentle unassuming soul who was lurking politely in the corridor waiting to be ushered in to the studio. Gregory is everything that his work and his statement led me to expect, and more. He seems unaware of his own talent. He confessed to nervousness and then interviewed like a veteran. He spoke of joys and disappointments, the dark side of his being as an artist and the ways that he’s been able to be true to his calling. If you can, take the time to seek out and listen to the podcast of the interview. It’s well worth a few minutes of your time.

More than anything else, spend some time here and at G. Lenz Photography on Facebook and see if you don’t agree!

Bio: At age 52, local artistic photographer Gregory Lenz made Provincetown his permanent home nearly two years ago. Hailing from Baltimore and growing up along Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Gregory has spent his past 18 years as an executive chef for several well established restaurants in Maryland. A long ago student at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) where he studied graphic design, Gregory has also worked as a resident scenic designer for several dinner theatres in Baltimore. However photography has always been his number one passion since childhood. Giving up the hectic and stressful routine of restaurant life was what brought Greg to this area in hopes of fulfilling a lifelong dream of writing and photography. The natural and historic enchantment of Provincetown was exactly what his soul was yearning for. 

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Jeannette de Beauvoir is the host of Arts Week on WOMR, a contributing writer to Provincetown Magazine, and a novelist, editor, and marketing writer. More about her at linkedin.com/in/jeannettedebeauvoir