“It all played into 2020. So many issues came up. Racial justice or injustice and marches, COVID, climate. As awful as it is with so many people suffering, if we don’t learn from this then shame on us,” Gregg explained in a FOX 47 interview. She credits the surrounding arts community with keeping her hopeful. “Such open minded, such open-hearted people. And that’s been a lifesaver.”
She also spoke to City Pulse about her vision and meaning behind her piece, which is of a figure holding a book and reclining on a bright red heart.
“The heart becomes a billboard-sized shout-out of admiration, respect, love and hope that together, 'We, (this) people, are the possible, the miraculous and the true wonder of the world. That is when, and only when we come to it,'’’ said Gregg quoting Angelou.
Gregg explains more. "The three monoprint panels of acrylic paint become a background reflection of her aura—her power; the power to fashion for this earth a climate where every man and every woman can live freely without sanctimonious piety, without crippling fear."
Retirement hasn't slowed down Gregg at all, but has been a celebration of creativity and more time with family and friends.
Photography credit: John Gregg