Meet Jeff Repko | Artist and Art Educator

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

Hi Jeff, how do you think about risk?
I like to think of myself as a risk taker and someone who is pretty adventurous, although I definitely like to keep a plan B and C around. In art, risk taking is an imperative part of my process. Through it, you find the most unique, interesting and unexpected outcomes. From the smallest risk of combining weird colors together to the larger ones of putting myself in unfamiliar places, my studio practice is full of risk. In life it can be a bit scarier, though also equally as valuable. It opens up new paths and plans you might never had imagined. Throughout my life and career risk taking has allowed me to travel to other countries and make art that I never expected. I have gotten the opportunity to live in four states and meet the most amazing people. I would never have made it so far without taking those risk and betting a little on myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has definitely not been an easy one but I like to follow an idea one of my mentors said to me. Work comes from work. I think I have always used this idea to keep moving forward and overcome challenges. Growing up in the blue collar city Pittsburgh is, I starting working at a young age. Work to me was a way forward. It gave me a sense of independence and showed me a way forward. I worked in many fields to support my art and studio practice. From custodial work, tech, food, retail, to education I found people who helped me follow my art dream. One lesson I learned through it all was to no give up and never take a job or people you work with for granted. I still remember my last day at the lego store and them giving me a bag of leftover bricks to take or my last day at the grocery store where they gave me a gas card to drive to my new home. They were all small gifts, but they came with such love and support for goal that can’t be measured. I guess what I am saying is I have learned the key to overcoming challenges is to never to them alone.

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?
Though I have only been in Atlanta for a few years, and mostly during a pandemic, I have come to love the music scene. My favorite venue has been Terminal West. It has a great vibe, intimate environment and awesome acts. During the day I love venturing Midtown. I took my students from the University of North Georgia on a public art tour through the BeltLine, midtown and ended at the High Museum. That was one of my favorite days in the city. I would also definitely take them to Piedmont Park for the farmers market before lunch at Ponce Market. It is a great place to get local goods and meet some awesome people. I also recently went to the aquarium and am in awe of its size. So I think it is safe to say we would have a full weekend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story starts with the support and love from my parents. They have help me in every step of the way and given me the courage to continue following my dream. Being the youngest of five, my siblings have also been vital in both raising me and being there to support me. I am grateful to have a strong pillar behind me of family and also instructors. Starting in grade school, I have had many amazing mentors and educators guiding me and fostering my art skills. I was always a bit scrappy and unkempt but they all put faith in me. I want to make them proud by rewarding them for the risk they took on me. I also want a special shoutout to my partner for supporting me and putting my crazy projects. Not everyone has the patient to let the kitchen become a studio for a week. And lastly to the countless friends who have supported me throughout school and life. I feel honored to have had so many amazing people in my life.

Website: jeffrepko.com

Instagram: jeff_repko