Artists In Jackson: Gary Willcock

Hello there.

For the latest Artists In Jackson 2 profile, I talk with sculptor Gary Willcock about his architectural background and precise, machine-like sculptures.

Gary talked about how his own home, south of Jackson, became a kind of living sculpture for him and his wife, Christie.

“At some point, I wanted my life to be a piece of art,” he says. “To live in this structure where I’ve created all this stuff. I’m walking through my own big sculpture, and it’s functional.”

Gary and I have known each other for more than a decade. We served together on the now-defunct Arts & Cultural Alliance, where we promoted local arts and cultural activities in Jackson County.

He lives his boosterism, too. Walk through his house, and you’ll find a mini museum of local artists and their work.

“If you want a creative community, you support it,” he says. “You show up to openings, you buy work when you can, and you encourage people.”

Read his story:

Artists In Jackson 2: Gary Willcock

With just one more artist profile yet to publish this year, I’ll be taking a break over the holidays to recharge and put together a game plan for next year.

In the meantime, if you know of anyone with a good story, please reach out and let me know.

Recent Blog Posts

• Foggy October Photography: My favorite way to annoy my daughters on the way to school is to wistfully look out at the foggy morning. “Dad!” They know what’s coming.

• Jackson Christmas Parade: A bright and cheery way to kickstart the holiday season.

• Hillsdale, Michigan: Shot the last bit of autumn loveliness in this little rural city south of Jackson.

Things I’m Into Lately

• “In ‘Reigning Toward Aries’ Stephanie O’Connor explores the emotional oscillations of impending parenthood through dusk-drenched scenes that she observes safely from the wings.” Also, the photos are really cool.

• With so much good TV, it’s hard to pick a new series to start. Fifteen years ago, it was as easy as two words: Mad Men. Here’s the story behind one perfect scene.

• Speaking of TV, the newest season of White Lotus was a banger. Here’s series creator Mike White unpacking season three.

• Heading somewhere? 50 years of travel tips is a good place to start. My fav: “The best souvenirs from a trip are your memories of the trip…”

• Slate’s Hit Parade podcast featured music producer Mutt Lange (AC/DC’s Back In Black, Shania Twain, tons more), and it took me back to the glory (and near tragedy) of Def Leppard’s Hysteria. Such a V I B E S ‘80s album.

It’s been such an incredibly creative and productive year for me. Thanks so much for joining me for all of it.

Let me know how you’re doing.

Stay warm,

Dave Lawrence