Gene Rawson is an artist in the midst of creative rediscovery, exploring new dimensions of his work with a fresh perspective shaped by life experience. He grew up in Los Angeles California was inspired by his mother who was a painter. He began his formal study of art in his thirties at Idaho State University in Pocatello, balancing academic pursuits with the demands of raising a family and working part-time.

 

Gene's previous job in flooring installation—an expertise handed down from his father—infused him with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, texture, and the beauty of built environments. An injury to his back brought him into an opportunity he might not have otherwise taken by being able to go to art school. Here he explored new areas in pottery, printmaking, sculpture.

 

He has lived in Juneau the past twenty-eight years which has inspired him to get back to exploring art in different forms. His wife Tracy and their three dogs Kona, Jazzie, and Penny are often found on a local beach or trail collecting items to add to projects that they work on from time to time.

 

Now, years later, Gene brings this layered history into his current artistic journey as he entered retirement years. His work reflects a dialogue between precision and spontaneity, structure and storytelling. Whether reimagining past themes or experimenting with new mediums such as the stipple format he explored with pen and ink as you see here in the galley, he continues to evolve, embracing art not just as a skill, but as a lifelong companion.