Hidden Gems: Meet Mark Long of Gentian Trail Gallery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Long.

Mark, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve never considered myself to be an artist but here I am today, trying to make a living with art. I discovered a passion for digital photography some years ago and have immersed myself in learning everything I can about it. I find it fascinating to freeze a moment in time and then present what I have captured for others to enjoy. I first started making money with photography at a race track. I was a track photographer for a couple of seasons and sold lots of digital images to motorcycle racers through a website. I enjoyed providing the riders with photos for their Facebook page, but I really love seeing the results of my work in print. Large print. So when I was not at the track, I was out searching for images that someone would be proud to display on a wall.

In my pursuit of wall art, I have learned about the importance of presentation. How a photograph, painting, or drawing is framed and matted can make a dramatic difference in how it is perceived by viewers. Any time I pick up the camera, I am aspiring to produce a “wall hanger”. When I capture something special, I then want to present it in a way that helps to convey the feeling and emotion that went into producing it. I make my own frames and select and cut matting that will enhance the statement made by the image.

I am also a country boy at heart. I grew up on a farm and am most comfortable in a country setting. Most of my photographs reflect that. My frames reflect that, as well. I make them from wood that I have reclaimed or harvested myself or from rough-cut lumber from a local mill. As much as I love getting out with a camera, I also love working with wood. Combining the two defines a purpose for my woodwork and enhances my photos. I believe the end result is something very unique.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am not at the end of the road yet, so who knows what may be around the next bend. I try to view obstacles as a challenge to learn something new. Life is an adventure and every adventure has its ups and downs. I would say that my road has been quite a twisty, winding path but I wouldn’t trade any of it. Every “bump” has taught me something I didn’t know before.

We’ve been impressed with Gentian Trail Gallery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My wife and I named our business “Gentian Trail Gallery”. The name came from my wife’s grandmother. She called our property Gentian Trail Ranch when she lived here over 50 years ago. When we moved in, we thought it appropriate to continue the original name.

We offer framed artwork (photos, paintings, and digital art), hand-painted decorative items for your home, and custom framing for your own artwork. My wife is a painter and we create everything that we sell right here at the gallery next to our home. We are about 30 minutes from downtown Nashville and would love to have you come out and discuss what we can do for you.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I learned long ago that the key to happiness for me is making others happy. If I could afford it, I would give all my work away as gifts. Unfortunately, the electric company and grocery store don’t view things the same way so we sell our art to keep the lights on and the fridge stocked. I am delighted when someone falls in love with one of my works, even if there is a price tag on it. It makes me happy to see you happy.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.gentiantrailgallery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentiantrailgallery/

Image Credits
All photos are mine – even the photos of paintings. 🙂