Gregory Messenger

Gregory describes himself as a queer transgender man, artist, musician, and puppeteer. His artistic journey began during his high school years followed by a few college-level art classes. However, it was his self-taught stop-action filmmaking that provided him the ideal platform to create the characters he sculpts and paints.

Gregory’s artistic influences include filmmakers like Murnac, Lynch, Harryhausen, Cronenberg, and early stop-motion silent films. He focuses on creating art that explores themes of dysphoria, attributed to his nightmares and experiences living in two highly conservative states as a transgender man. 

In 2020, Gregory publicly announced his transgender identity, facing intense hatred and threats from his former family and friends. This disclosure caused him physical and psychological harm as he lived his authentic life. He urged decision-makers to recognize the danger faced by transgender individuals due to hate and the silence of allies, but his efforts remain unheeded. However, he hopes his art will create a safe space for trans people and those oppressed by hatred.

Gregory specializes in sculpting and repurposing discarded materials like tin cans, jars, cardboard, plastic, twine, buttons, fabric scraps, bottles, and newspaper, which he and his monsters call “monster parts.” He uses these materials to make puppets, paintings, sets, and props. Prior to arthritis and work injuries, he used sewing techniques to connect these materials, but now he primarily uses twine, hemp, and fasteners.

Gregory resides in Tulsa with his three kids and partner. His work has been exhibited in the 2018 and 2019 Climate Change Exhibition held in Waco, Texas