We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle’s Art Show. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle’s Art Show below.
Gabrielle’s Art Show, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Before launching Gabrielle’s Art Show, I enjoyed creating with my family. I remember receiving an amazing scrapbooking kit as a birthday gift one year from my sister Lindsey. We also learned recipes from this cookie book. Then as an environmentally-conscious adult, I would take the liberty to create alternatives like subbing butter for coconut oil and either have some deliciously plant-based heaven in bar form or a disaster waiting in the kitchen for someone to kindly dispose. I cherish the connections and joy that come from creating with my family and engaging with the world through the lens of creativity.
Growing up, I had a keen eye for spelling and letters, and a fascination for different font styles. I was inspired by peers writing “e’s” in various ways or flourishing “y’s,” and imagining unique ways to write became a playful way of engaging with the written word. I vividly remember the doodles we created on the blacktop and the shapes that popped out at us from a single line that we drew. Something so simple unlocked a world of imagination. These moments of discovery sparked my creativity, contributed to the development of my unique artistic style, and instilled a sense of wonder and experimentation.
I pursued a career in science and achieved a degree in psychology. I enjoy learning facts but I feel alive when diving into something with nothing but faith. That’s pretty much every artwork. I see a vision, not always sure what medium, but just work with what I’ve got till I like the outcome. It allows me to explore different mediums and express my ideas in unique and unexpected ways. This freedom and flexibility in my creative process is one of the joys of being an artist.
As an artist, I can take myself beyond the boundaries of my previous roles and combine many skills I have acquired. I enjoy freedom to work for myself, to work barefoot, to choose my hours around my babies. Being an artist enables me to be an entrepreneur with a feminist perspective. I love resting when needed as is our divine right! I love being present with my kids after a fulfilling day of creation. I love running off with my partner for a mid-day surf. I love sharing my creations and connecting with folks who it speaks to.
I am proud of the art I have created, the connections I have made along the way, and a lifestyle that is flowing.
Gabrielle’s Art Show, 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?
My creative story usually begins with my first paid professional job as a chalk artist; today I would love to dive into the evolution of my craft – the moments I felt really empowered to freely create and soul inspired.
Becoming a mother was a deeply significant and transformative experience for me. I experienced the loss of one of my twins and endured a a traumatic birth. I was significantly impacted by this immense grief and pain. Additionally, being separated from my child in the NICU for a week was another incredibly difficult experience. My bond as a mother with my child was profound, and being temporarily separated was emotionally distressing.
The circumstances surrounding my journey into motherhood presented further immense challenges, as I navigated being single and faced a custody battle with the father of my child. I was determined to protect my rights as a parent and secure the best possible future for my child, so I made a decision to prioritize my well-being to create a safe environment for myself and my child.
I made a conscious decision to break away from the misogyny that I encountered in relationships and institutional systems. I was determined to create a healthier and more supportive environment for myself and my child. I found support groups specifically tailored for mothers that provided a valuable space for connection, understanding, and emotional support. The Birthworkers of Color Collective is an empowering and inclusive community that resonated deeply with me. This group aligns with my values and dreams of caring for mothers and the broader community. The emphasis on reciprocation and mutual respect is a refreshing approach that fosters a sense of solidarity and genuine support. In these spaces, I felt seen, heard, and understood, which contributed to a sense of safety and belonging.
My art flourished when I discovered a niche that resonates deeply with my artistic expression. “Decolonizing parenthood” is a powerful concept that challenges traditional narratives and norms surrounding parenting and encourages a more inclusive and liberating approach. Exploring and expressing this concept through my art allows me to contribute to important conversations and bring attention to issues of representation, cultural identity, and the dismantling of oppressive systems within the context of parenthood. By delving into this niche, I have the opportunity to offer unique perspectives and narratives that challenge existing power structures and promote inclusivity, ultimately fostering greater understanding and empathy.
I am proud to have exhibited my first artwork at Sovern LA! It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase my creative expression. Sovern LA’s focus on supporting Black, Indigenous, Women of Color (BIWOC) artists highlights their commitment to promoting diverse voices and narratives within the art world. My artwork was inspired by a meaningful day spent with my soul sister, Devan Moll, while carrying my second child on the coast of Laguna Beach. The beauty and serenity of that experience deeply influenced my artistic vision. The phrase “In Birth We Trust,” lettered in my artwork, carries a powerful message that speaks to the strength, resilience, and trust inherent in the process of giving birth. This piece resonates not only with the personal connection I shared with my soul sister but also with broader themes of motherhood, femininity, and the transformative power of birth. By incorporating these elements into my artwork, I can engage in a dialogue that challenges societal norms, centers the experiences of BIWOC, and celebrates the beauty and power of birth.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Seeing myself in others. I can see when my art really hits home with someone, when it speaks to another. I have developed new relationships from pursuing the visions in my heart and I am stoked to share this with others.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to connect with other artists, communities, and platforms that focus on similar themes. I create space in my art for women, mothers, non-binary, children of color and I hold them in beauty, peace, and wellness. As I continue to create and build the world I wish to see, I experience it more.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabriellesartshow.com
- Instagram: @gabriellesartshow
- Facebook: @gabriellesartshow
- Youtube: @gabriellesartshow
- Other: www.patreon.com/gabriellesartshow
Image Credits
Ian Paolo Gracilla