Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gia Nold. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I had been in the art business for over 25 years but more as an educator artist. I taught art and language arts in Denver Public School for 25 years. I decided to open up my art studio and sell my art since 2021.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
A little bit about myself is that I am a poet and visual artist. I am the author of three chapbooks of poetry, including Moon is Always Moon (Green Fuse Poetic Arts). Some of the awards I’ve received are: selected for 2004 international poetry exhibition, Barrington, IL; and 2nd Place in the ACC Writers Studio: Speak Peace Colorado Respond Contest 2012, 1st Place in the Columbine Poets Contest, 2021 among others. I hold a Master of Fine Arts from Naropa University. About a year ago I became the owner of Time Pieces Studio, and retired from being a Visual Arts teacher from Denver Public Schools. Currently, I work in my studio producing my artwork, teaching workshops, participating in art exhibits and selling my art on my website and local shows in Colorado and Peru. I am a native of Lima, Perú who lives in Evergreen, Colorado. As a good creative mind, I have a great sense of humor, love telling stories and teaching others (through my work) “how to see” not just by seeing what they know! I officially got into my art business, “Time Pieces Studio” the year before I retired from Denver Public schools in 2021. By then, I had already produced a good amount of art to sell and joined the Evergreen Open Door Studios Tour. This was my first official art show. I enjoy discovering more about my creative process by creating artistic pieces that speak to me. Focusing on projects to show my ideas and work expands my views of healing, joy, expression, connecting with time and searching for new outcomes.
Currently, I sell my paintings, photography, drawings, and greeting cards in my Evergreen art studio, on my website and in various venues that exhibit/sell my artwork. I also publish my poetry in magazines and literary anthologies.
Through my work, I hope to speak without words to my clients. I am pleased with the stories that come to my attention when they purchase my artwork. In my imagination, I feel I can provide a piece to contemplate, to heal, and/or to bring out some joy to their home.
When it comes to what I’m most proud of… I think, the courage to create my own ideas. I am optimistic… Always thinking clients will really enjoy my sense of humor or feel captivated by what I am trying to express in my paintings, drawings and poetry. My clients usually ask good questions about my work. Some like the colors and shapes I employ. Some others are in love with “Owls” and they buy my owl collection for that reason. Some clients have purchased my painted log slices with inspirational text because they feel identified with it. I have clients that enjoy my playful ideas and the story behind my paintings. Some people love to look at my sketchbooks when they visit the studio. Some others want to take lessons with me. And, for my poetry, I am very eclectic, shape shifting, always unexpected!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is the ability to problem solve. Most people think that artists or creatives only make something beautiful and pay little attention to what it really takes to make it. In reality, being creative, means being a thinker, a mind that can work on justice and power through a product. It takes a lot of reflecting and problem solving to create an art, especially with good vision and the task to show the world something that involves life and feeling. To do this right, it takes a lot of planning, making, reflecting, critical thinking and problem solving until you achieve a goal. I like the idea of problem solving many issues not just in my work but in my daily life. It’s all about making me a better person!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can help artists, creatives and creative ecosystems by supporting venues that promote art. It starts by educating children to love art, parents buying art and art supplies for their kids, parents and teachers helping children make art, encouraging art programs in schools, attending art shows of all disciplines, visiting galleries, creating pop-up markets for emerging artists, providing gallery representation for artists, creating art schools for all levels, taking art lessons, visiting museums, creating opportunities to inspire with creativity, providing grants for artists/creative projects, buying art as holiday presents, using artists in politics, hospitals, various organizations, wearing clothes made by artists, listening to poets, promoting poetry readings, buying poetry books, creating balance between creativity and technology, allowing creators in the process of healing/inspiring the world!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timepiecesstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianold/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085208766669
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/timepiecesstd
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/timepiecesstudio
Image Credits
Cerca del Mar, photography selected for the Evergreen Center for the Arts, and Windsor Museum exhibit. Currently at 7801 home furnishings & design ltd. Summer Dance, Acrylic painting, currently at 7801 home furnishings & design ltd. Angelito, Handmade Greeting card, currently for sale at Tall Grass, Boone Mountain Sports, Wild Rabbit Boutique Van Gogh Owl, print and greeting card, currently for sale at Tall Grass, Pongo, Nellybelle