Meet Alvin Pagdanganan Gregorio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alvin Pagdanganan Gregorio.

Alvin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My parents immigrated to Los Angeles from the Philippines before I was born. I grew up in the Greater Los Angeles area. I never had the patience for school. I have as many memories of being in detention or the principal’s office as I had in the classroom. I wasn’t great at art or drawing, but I enjoyed it regardless. My mother was an elementary school teacher, so I had access to unlimited paper, pencils and markers. My father was an Engineer, as was his father. He would draw once in a while. They were technical drawings of our home, his various cars and schematics of machines. They weren’t necessarily expressive, but rather a way to document or explain something.

After barely finishing high school, I was going to enlist in the Marines. My wrestling coach fought in Vietnam and talked often about his service. My paternal grandfather filled my head with stories of his time as a guerrilla sniper during the invasion by the Japanese in WWII. I didn’t have a clue of what to do with my life. A number of my best friends growing up committed crimes and ended up in prison. My older sister talked me out of enlisting. It was in 1992, the time of the Gulf War.

I ended up going to college as an Engineering major and failed most of my classes. My girlfriend at the time (now my wife) suggested I take an art class since all I would do in class was draw. That was the first time in forever that I excelled in a class. I wasn’t the best in class, not even close, but I was enjoying myself. I finally found a way to channel my energy.

After undergrad, I earned an MFA from Claremont Graduate University in 2000. Then went to the Philippines on a year-long research trip as a Fulbright Scholar. I had a solo show at TDR Gallery in Manila during that time, and have been represented by them ever since. I worked a number of jobs all through school and began teaching art at colleges throughout the Los Angeles area.

I did whatever I needed to do to continue making and exhibiting my work. I had my worries and doubts but kept working in the studio. In 2006, I was offered a position at the University of Colorado Boulder. Since then, I’ve continued my studio practice and teaching at CU. For the last five years, I’ve been a super-commuter. Spending half of each week in Boulder and the other with my partner and child in the L.A. area.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been smooth. I’ve been on my own since I was a teen. I worked 40+ hours a week as a custodian, food server, dog groomer, bread baker, substitute teacher, and housekeeper to put myself through school. All the while drinking heavily. I got sober in 2005 after hitting rock bottom. My partner, Mary, has helped me through so much.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
As a professor at the University of Colorado, I am proud of the program I’ve help build over the past 14 years. I’m also proud of our national ranking and the success of our alumni. I’ve committed to truly knowing my students and earning their respect and trust. Profound things can happen when you begin there. Many of my former students are now my best friends.

As an artist, I am proud of my commitment to my work and that I am still very connected to what I make. I’m also proud to have created an international platform to share my ideas and experiences. I take great pride in not giving up on my dreams. Its been 25+ years and I’m still going strong.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe in karma more than luck. What you put in is what you get out.

 Contact Info:

• Website: www.homesickgypsies.com
• Email: alvin.gregorio@colorado.edu
• Instagram: @cosmic.prepper

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