Art and Elevation with Gary Green
What if art could change how you see yourself—and your place in the world?
This question has been sitting with me ever since I recorded my latest podcast episode with G. Green. G is a cultural curator, community builder, and visionary who’s been quietly (and not so quietly) shifting the art world from the inside out. His story is one of transformation, connection, and legacy—and I’m still buzzing from our conversation.
G and I met years ago at one of his curated art shows in the Willis Tower (forever the Sears Tower in my heart). That moment was pivotal for me. I was in a season of shedding—of remembering myself as an artist, a creative, a truth-teller. Stepping into his exhibition was like stepping into a different frequency. There was a reverence there. A humility. A celebration of Black artists, Chicago roots, and real community. And G.? He wasn’t just working the room—he was weaving it together.
In this episode, G. shares how art quite literally saved his life. He talks about growing up on the South and West Sides of Chicago, and how he learned to navigate both the beauty and brutality of the city. He’s not someone who waited for permission. He created his own platforms—Elevation Worldwide and Nobodies A Nobody—to amplify the voices of those too often overlooked.
We talk about the elitism that exists in the art world, the disconnect so many people feel from traditional institutions, and the urgent need for representation—for Black artists, for women, for people whose stories haven’t been told.
“We need those disruptors. You have to break the mold to build a bigger one. And the disruptors are the ones that do that.”
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
G’s journey from the streets of Chicago to founding global creative platforms
How art can create access where there’s been exclusion
Why representation in public spaces matters more than ever
How legacy, healing, and storytelling are all part of the creative process
What it means to create representation instead of waiting for a seat at the table
The origin of Nobodies A Nobody and what it means to keep people’s stories alive
The deep truth behind: “Every hero starts with her”
How we can disrupt industries and shape culture by telling true stories
Some of my key takeaways from G. Green:
Art is not just about aesthetics—it’s about access. G reminded me that art has the power to either exclude or invite. His work is about breaking down the traditional barriers of the art world and making sure people—especially Black artists and Chicago creatives—feel seen and welcome in the spaces that define our city.
Representation isn’t optional—it’s essential. What struck me most was how clearly G sees the link between visibility and value. From curating an exhibit in the Willis Tower to launching platforms like Nobodies A Nobody, he’s creating spaces where people can show up as their full selves—and be celebrated for it.
Legacy lives in the stories we keep telling. When G said, “If we keep telling their stories, they don’t die,” it hit me like a wave. That’s what Nobodies A Nobody is about—preserving identity, history, and humanity. It reminded me that storytelling is sacred work. It’s how we heal, remember, and move forward.
Disruption is an act of love. G’s not here to play by the rules of an industry built to exclude people like him. And honestly? Same. His courage to disrupt—gently, powerfully, intentionally—is a form of radical care for his community. That’s leadership. That’s love.
Creativity is a survival tool. G talked about how creating helped him cope, heal, and process his experiences growing up. That’s something I deeply relate to. When the world feels overwhelming, our creativity becomes a container—a way to alchemize pain into beauty, connection, and purpose.
“Be yourself and stand on that. Because if you’re trying to be somebody else, we miss out on your perspective—and that’s a loss for all of us.”
You can listen to the full episode of Unapologetically Yours with G. Green at the links below:
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong. For the creatives building something from the ground up. For the artists, the disruptors, the bridge-builders, and the ones who carry the stories of their communities in their bones.
If that’s you—this conversation is your reminder:
Your story matters. Your voice belongs. And creativity just might be the bridge that brings us all home.
I hope this episode inspired you to go out and make some magic in the world!
Unapologetically yours,
xx Ashley
Connect with G. Green:
Instagram @ggreen.art
Instagram @svngrnart
Instagram @nobodiesanobody
SVNGRN website
Nobodies a Nobody website
Connect with Ashley:
Instagram @ashleydlogan
Website https://ashleydlogan.com/
Have a topic or guest you’d love to see featured on the Unapologetically Yours podcast? Send us an email: podcast@unapologeticallyyours.com