Gregg Mackell

Born in 1968 at the gateway to Glacier National Park in Kalispell, Montana.  Raised in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado, he developed a fascination for the interplay of light and space that would define his career. 

Gregg graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder's renowned Illumination program in 1992, earning a degree in Architectural Engineering. His studies in illumination and architectural studio classes gave Gregg a lens to see the world through the eyes of an engineer, an architect, a designer. 

For over three decades, Gregg has been a leading figure in the architectural lighting design field, contributing to landmark stadium projects before focusing on his passion of creating designs for high-end residential clients. His client roster reads like a who's who of global elites, including royal families, former presidents, rockstars, and billionaires. He has illuminated collections featuring masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Rothko, Warhol, and countless other luminaries of the art world.

Amidst the Covid lockdowns of the early 2020s, Gregg rediscovered his passion for creating art. Now based in Golden, Colorado, he has transformed his crawlspace into a creative studio where he explores themes of light, shadow, and geometric form. His artworks, influenced by his travels to Aspen, the Yucatán Peninsula, and Costa Rica, blend vibrant colors and organic textures with architectural precision.

One of Gregg's signature motifs is the "Architectural Butterfly," a concept born from his background in architectural engineering. These artworks, characterized by their hard lines and 3D shadows, juxtapose smooth, free-form backgrounds with intricate butterfly forms that react dynamically to changes in light. As architectural renderings dismiss the systems that create a functional home, his paintings of butterflies remove the body systems and depict only the beauty in the wings.

Gregg's inspirations are diverse and deeply interwoven into his creative process. He draws upon the interplay of light, shadow, and reflection, finding beauty in contrast and motion. Current events, lost civilizations, and the organic motions found in nature also inspire his work. His architectural background and love for design and geometry inform the precision and structural elements in his art.

Gregg's artworks, known for their visible and hidden effects that respond to prescribed wavelengths, invite viewers to explore the convergence of nature, motion, geometry, and light. His imaginary satellite views of reforested jungles and ancient lost civilizations evoke a sense of wonder and discovery, offering glimpses into worlds both real and imagined.

Gregg finds inspiration in the symmetry and asymmetry of natural forms, the textures and dimensions of various materials, and the elegance of geometric patterns. His love for cars and the dynamic design elements they embody also play a role in his artistic vision.

Many of Gregg's original works exhibit human imperfections which are not retouched. As he learned from a native artist at the Taos Pueblo market in the 1970s, only God is perfect and art should celebrate imperfections because we are human.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Gregg is deeply committed to philanthropy, using proceeds from his sales to support nonprofits like Nivas. Founded to build homes for single mothers in Nepal following the 2015 earthquake, Nivas reflects Gregg's belief in using his talents to make a meaningful impact beyond the world of luxury.