We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrea Gilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.

Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Growing up my grandmother, Yeya, and I would make jewelry for each other and my mom. Often times gifting pieces to my close friends and relatives. She taught me how to use tools effectively and introduced me to new techniques all while allowing space for creativity and exploration. Having someone experienced in the art form working along side me gave me the foundation I needed to create the complex pieces I make today. Knowing what I know now, I would have invested in better materials and ergonomic tools early on. Having the right equipment can make practice time much more enjoyable and easy on the hands. In my opinion one of the most essential skills in jewelry making is following through with design. Many times ideas don’t work out or don’t look like they do in our head. In order to shorten the gap between the art you make and the art you aspire to make is to practice and make mistakes. An obstacle that stood in the way of learning more is the space to make a mess. Thankfully I now have an incredible art space to experiment with new materials that is separate from everything else.

Andrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

From a young child I liked to study my perception of past experiences. From becoming a professional flamenco dancer, to earning a masters degree in human movement, and eventually entering the art business world; I’ve utilized my methods of self-expression to invoke excitement in others to explore their realities.

While completing my Master of Science in Kinesiology – Biomechanics from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, I used painting as a therapeutic exercise and learned the power of daily practice. Involving myself as a digital creator and creative director alongside the completion of my thesis in plantar health made me realize that I couldn’t pick science over art and vice versa. I needed both to be happy. During my collegiate and post grad years, I learned to manage the complete design process from a researched perspective and yearned to practice both science and art simultaneously.

Upon graduating I moved back to the Houston area to begin a long awaited project with my woodworking grandfather in 2018. Before his passing, they built a pet portrait business which began as My Dog Chipi. Now called Arte de Ea, I’ve expanded the brand into acrylic paintings, murals, digital storytelling, lucite jewelry design, dance workshops, and live online philanthropy events. I’ve had the honor of exhibiting artworks throughout Texas, danced around the world, presented research at conferences across the U.S., and plan to continue to give back to the community that helped me emerge as an artist.

My business, Arte de Ea, is an art brand inspired by the vibrant Venezuelan nature while encapsulating gratitude towards new experiences in Texas. I am most known for my use of bright and saturated colors in my work and daily life.

During my years at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, I created original works inspired by my years as a graduate student. These special pieces are some that I envisioned to bring vibrancy to anyone that viewed them. These works are inspired by native plants, animals, and bright colors that represent my close knit relationships with people in the university and community.

Soon after I began working on personal commissions while maintaining a daily creative practice, I became more eager to paint big. I was chosen for a mural project to commemorate the infamous Live Oak trees for Bellagreen on Earth Day where the downtown Houston community was invited to participate in the final touches. Additionally, I strategically planned and produced vibrant signage murals for Houston ChopShop restaurants. Creating art in these spaces has allowed me to bring people together to ignite change, spread positivity, and ultimately inspire others to pursue their passions.

Being a multidisciplinary artist has led me to specializing in bringing concepts to fruition that resonate with my clients and their audiences. Whether that be in a commercial setting, residential project, painting commissions, laser cut designs, or dancing workshops. Both the researching and creating get me equally excited.

By utilizing my methods of self-expression I have invoked excitement in others to explore their realities. I know how to manage and execute the complete design process from a researched perspective and yearn to celebrate diversity, community, and self-expression.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Creating an online portfolio that showcases recent work is very important when reaching out to clients and selling original artwork. Tools that helped me navigate this were scheduling apps for social media and an user friendly website builder like Squarespace. Another resource that I wish I knew about earlier is Domestika courses. Or any creative courses for that matter. Taking initiative in learning about your craft outside of your circle can help you grow exponentially.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The same grandfather that helped me begin my pet portrait business at the beginning of my art journey left Earth last year. Having his support motivated me to create daily until it turned into a habit. After his passing it has been difficult finding my footing in my creative process. He played a big role in inspiring me to jump into art despite the fear embedded from my childhood. This is something my family, friends, and online community knew. Recently more projects have gone unfinished than ever before. However, taking a step back from painting and allowing myself to grieve through different art forms has helped me rediscover my love for making jewelry. In many of my works you can see the resemblance in designs, color choices, and expressions no matter the medium. This devastating loss in my life has led me to approach art differently…more like a language and a way of being than just something I “do”.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.artedeea.com
• Instagram: @artede.ea
• Facebook: @artedeea
• Other: Artdeandrea@gmail.com