WHO: Tommy Gregory, 28

MEDIA: Wood, condoms, etc.

BEST KNOWN FOR: An interest in natural objects, especially wood. Sometimes it's drawings of tree branches on wood, twigs bronzed and coupled with a female breast or large hanging sculptures made with tree branches.

Gregory said a main influence for his work comes from his grandfather's land in Bastrop. “Even though my work is changing a lot, trees and nature, they're still there,” Gregory said. “Even in a small way.”

To Gregory, the natural objects are a part of a spiritual or philosophical journey.

“A lot of my work is very existential,” Gregory said. “It's based on philosophy in general, but not a specific philosophy.”

He also tries to incorporate humor. At the University of Texas at San Antonio, Gregory found piles of wood chips as tall as people. He grabbed some of the material to make a cubed wood-chip sculpture, which he said he was thinking of returning right next to the original mound. It would give the otherwise serious, minimal sculpture a humorous bend, he said.

But sometimes he abandons wood for condoms, such as his bronzed sets of the latex prophylactics. Bronzed with various earthy shades and placed in a grid, the condoms look more like minimalist wall sculptures than raunchy devices. “I think it's a loaded image itself,” Gregory said of the contraceptive.

Not everybody likes them, Gregory admits. At a Houston show this summer, someone at the gallery mentioned she wasn't a fan of the condoms. Gregory said that they're at least successful at making people think about his work. To him, the subject matter was bringing out the same emotions, rather than no response. “If I can make somebody hate my art as much as they like it, that's good. I like the full spectrum,” Gregory said.

BACKGROUND: Gregory works as the preparator for the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center while attending graduate school at UTSA and bartending at La Tuna. He received his bachelor's of fine arts in sculpture at the University of Houston. Gregory also served as assistant to sculptors Ed Wilson and Luis Jimenez and credits Jimenez for much of his influence in choosing the medium.

CHECK HIM OUT: Gregory is a part of a one-night group show, including artists Devon Moore, Juan de Dios Mora and Carlos Don Juan, called Two/Dos from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at Lone Star Studios at 107 Lone Star. Merykid, The Heavy Feathers and The Blowing Trees will provide live music. Call (210) 663-5355 for more information.

Emily Messer | 210SA contributor