In the Spirit of Tyree Tuesday: A Q & A with Tyree Guyton

Jan Morgan Niekamp: I want to say thank you, because when I came across the hp, I was sad, and you made me smile because of your art. How long have you been doing art since a kid?

        Hi Jan. I've been working on the HP for 27 years—and I am only 26. My grandfather inspired me and gave me a paintbrush at the age of nine. Since that time I knew I wanted to be an artist.




Ken Marzorati: Love you Tyree! Quick art question: what's your favorite medium to work with?

        Hey Ken, I love it all. I don’t really have a favorite medium—I need and love it all!!




Erika Lea: How many countries have you visited to talk about or make art?

        Hello Lea, I have visited about 14 countries to speak and/or create artwork. But more importantly, I have had over 140 countries to visit the Heidelberg Project in hopes of learning more about the art.

The Movement

Yes, there is an art movement going on here in the city and the million dollar question I continue to ask myself is, what is art today? People are flocking here from all over the world to experience this energy from a city that most have given up on. How do you define beauty in the NOW of what we don't understand? 

The city is like a war zone in some parts, and at times, it appears that the world is coming to an end. Where do we run to now and can we fix the so-called problems by changing an infrastructure that has been broken for many years? The movement has been going on for years here in this city and around the world too. What's remarkable is you can't hide from what's coming and that is change. Change is needed!

I believe the best is yet to come now! We can learn from the past if we open our minds to the present. Nothing is over until it's over. Then when it's over, over is only a new beginning to what’s possible today. The movement that is present right now is indeed an art movement. Art is popping up all over the city and I personally welcome this new way of transforming Detroit back to life.

tyree

In The Spirit of Tyree Tuesday: A Q&A with Tyree

Nick Mayner: Mr. Guyton, thank you for art and the inspiration you have given to many. Have you ever felt that if your artistic abilities are not excellent, that people wouldn't accept your work as art and do you have any advice for anyone feeling that way? Thank You.

     Hi Nick. Early in my career I had feelings like you describe. However, it’s important that you believe that your work is great to you and that you believe in what you’re doing. You can‘t trust the world because the world will tell you that you are great today and tomorrow you are not great. Trust you, only then is it good for the world.

Lisa Hathaway: What originally inspired you to start HP?

     Hello Lisa. It was a vision from God. I was chosen to do this.

Mark Sweetman: Do you ever have performance art at the HP?

     Hey Mark, yes we do have performances all the time. Would you like to come and perform for the public?