Forrest Greenslade shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Forrest, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
After a quick cup of “real” coffee, I take the few steps trip to either my Organic Forrestry Studio, or to computer, or out to our garden. Each day starts with sculpting, painting, writing or tending to our pollinator garden and sculpture trail. We also have an Air BnB, The Artist’s Garret at Fearrington village, just over my studio. On some days, the priority is getting ready for guests who come to stay with us from all over the world. They select our apartment because of my nature-inspired art and our garden trails.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi folks. I am Forrest Greenslade, a nearly 86-year-old guy living in Fearrington Village in Chatham County North Carolina. After a long career as biologist, manager and organizational leader, my wife Carol-Ann and I have pieced together am economic strategy and a satisfying life of creativity and satisfaction.
As a biologist, I draw on the natural environment around us to inspire my paintings, sculpture and, what I call wearable sculpture. Most people call it jewelry. My work is always on display here in our Artist’s Garret Air BnB and in our home gallery and sculpture trails. I participate in art shows around the state, and in studio tours. Two annual events that I enjoy are Come Out and Play and Sculpture in the Garden at the NC Botanical Garden.
Additionally, I have been writing all my adult life. My published works range from the scientific literature, management and leadership guidance, poetry and now political allegory. I have always admired the works of the great allegorical writers such as Aldus Huxley, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, and of course George Orwell. My latest book, “Animal Farm: The Rest of the Story” brings Orwell’s satirical account of how farm animals, having ousted the evil farmer to create an egalitarian society, were subjugated by some of the animals themselves — the pigs. My new book is a thought-provoking novel that explores the current political crisis facing Americans through the allegory of an animal farm. As the Great Outstanding Pigs take over the farm, a new leader emerges that plunges the animals into a dark time that outright threatens their democracy.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Oh — so many things! I grew up in a smallish blue-collar town in a poorish somewhat dysfunctional family. My dad drank a bit. My mom was quite religious. What I believed as a young boy was that I would be just that — destined to become my old man.
I was a good student in grammar school but a screw up in high school. I had no idea what I would do after graduation. The guidance counselor took me aside and said, “Greenslade, what are you going to do with yourself?” I just shrugged. He pointed out his window. “See those buildings across the street? That is part of the state university. They have to admit a few townies.” He made some calls, and I was admitted to collage — on pro.
Looking back, I suspect many kids like me have no idea what opportunities lie ahead. What the future can be for them.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I have always been a bit introverted. My wife tells me that I would rather be a hermit. I admit that I am most comfortable alone in a lab, a shop, a library, in my own head. This works well for my own creativity and productivity. It is tremendous obstacle in the real world. Participating in large meetings has always been difficult. Even social events like cocktail parties are still stressful for me. Succeeding in Corporate America or the non-profit world requires some degree of extroversion. It has always been a struggle.
I can’t say that I ever overcame this obstacle. Programs like Toastmasters have given me some tools, but I have learned that you just have to learn to live with such fears and accomplish your goals despite them.
Lots of people have lots worse things to overcome!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yup!
I really am that old white dude that makes funny stuff, hangs out in the garden and writes cryptic prose.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
When I am chopping Vidalia Onions getting ready to make killer French Onion soup.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://organicforrestry.com
Image Credits
None all my own
