Meet Garrison Gist: Professional Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Garrison Gist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Garrison, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Rock Hill a small city in South Carolina, about 20 minutes from Charlotte, NC. Being from Rock Hill a city known for its output of successful athletes, mostly football, I’d say it impacted me from a standpoint that from a very young age I was taught that you’re only going to obtain the things you want if you work hard and be dedicated to what you do. Whether it be sports, art, music, owning a business, etc. it applies across all fields.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Me getting to where I am today in my artist career has not been the easiest journey. A lot of obstacles along the way in the process of finding my footing, but I wouldn’t change any of it. From making the transition of being an athlete to focusing on my art and having people not take you seriously, to having to work three to four jobs just to support yourself, there’s been so many things that could’ve deterred me, but I have a saying, “Progress is a Process” and these things are all part of my process of progression. Just ultimately knowing my potential and what I was capable of accomplishing is what helped me push through.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Depending on the time of year, I’d definitely take them to a Hornets or Panthers game. As far as food there’s along list of places we could hit, What The Fries, Seoul Food Meat Co., Cuzzo’s Cuisine, Leah and Louise, Jimmy Pearls, Soul Gastro Lounge, Optimist Hall, the list could really go on forever. As far as drinks and hanging out probably bounce around South End from spot to spot its a lot of options, or even just hit a small kick back or game night. At some point I’d take them around the city and let them check out all the murals and cool art, gotta hit BlkMrkt in Camp Northend. There’s really no shortage of options.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to shout out my Mother, my Grandma Terry, and the neighborhood of Sunset Park, without these people and that neighborhood. I would NOT be the man I am today.

Instagram: @2gzandcountin

Twitter: @2gzandcountin

Other: TikTok: @Paintcanpapi

Image Credits
Christian Duprez – Street Spraypaint Photo Josh Ugwuneri – Basketball court drone shot