We were lucky to catch up with Gina Torkos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, 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?

I enrolled in many different art classes as a full time Speech Therapist, wife, and mother of two boys. Between my high school classes and community art classes, I tried to cover the fundamentals of art (drawing, composition, perspective, and values) as well as learning photography, watercolor, acrylic and oil painting. I think having these skills is so important and regardless of the medium you use, your understanding of the fundamentals can take your work from good to great. I was very self-motivated and with the help of some constructive feedback set out to learn what I didn’t know. I was also journaling, writing my “Morning pages “as I have done for many years. Then something triggered my interest in painting the pages of my journal and then adding cut paper designs. This became another art form that I felt was pure play time and for my eyes only. Eventually I merged my journal art and my oil painting. I prepared my canvas with a detailed drawing, then instead of using paints, I sorted through old magazines to find the ideal colors. This transition was a slow process, and I am still enjoying its evolution. My collages are usually confused for paintings when people look at them from afar, but up close it’s very evident they are made from paper. I credit this confusion on the viewers part to my understanding of the fundamentals. Could I have sped up this process? Perhaps I could have learned some techniques faster, but I think that it takes time to figure out what you are drawn to, what excites and inspires you. I think it takes time to nurture your vision so that you put out your best work. I love the journey I am on. I evolve at my own comfort level, and take risks doing something what feels like the natural next step.

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.

I create original collages on canvas, as well as prints of those images. I sketch out an image using my own reference photos and apply paper (usually magazine paper) with a gel medium to a stretched canvas. I do not use paint in my collages. I try to find text that works both color wise and within the context of the spirit of my subject matter. My text is always positive because that’s the vibe I want to send out into the world. My subject matter is varied, from the natural world around us to architecture and boats (man’s beautiful and functional creations). I want my viewer to be pleasantly surprised by what they find when they spend time viewing my art. I hope this makes them smile a little bit and sends a little joy their way. I am most proud of sending positive, unique artwork out into the world that makes me invigorated and fulfilled in the moment of creation. The main thing I want any future client to know is that I will always be looking for ways to play with images to create new and exciting pieces of art.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As an emerging artist in 2016 I was ready to break into the art world full stop. I just didn’t know how. I thought I would find representation at an art gallery and hand my work over to someone else to sell so I could get back into the studio to create. I stumbled into an opportunity to join a co-op. I always said, when I was ready and it was the right time, the universe would deliver. Well, the universe delivered and I said yes (with quite a bit of trepidation). This meant sitting at the gallery, greeting potential clients who just came in off the street, getting to know and selling the other artists in the group, and selling myself too. My head was saying it would be easier to just drop off the art and run… but somewhere deep down, I knew this was meant to be part of my journey. It took quite a while for me to figure out how to present myself, how to express who I was and what I was saying with my art, and to be comfortable doing so. I was lucky to be thrown this curve ball in a warm, welcoming group of artists as I was starting out on this wonderful artistic adventure. I learned so much by interacting with my fellow artists and with the customers over the years. After a few years, my lifestyle changed, and I started spending more time traveling and living in two separate parts of the country. It was impossible to continue with the co-op given my transitory lifestyle. I now am represented by two galleries that sell my work, and I know I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the lucky break I got when I was starting out.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Sometimes it’s the simple things that count the most. When a piece of art speaks to you, reach out and tell the artist. We see this done more now with social media, but occasionally I get a personal email or letter from someone who has seen or purchased my art. I’ve even received phone calls from clients who are in one of the galleries that represent me, wanting to express their gratitude for my art. It means the world to us. It’s one thing to be fulfilled when you are creating art, it’s the icing on the cake when you hear positive praise from someone who is viewing or buying your art.

Contact Info:

• Website: ginatorkosart.com
• Instagram: ginatorkosart
• Facebook: ginatorkosfineart
• Linkedin: GINA TORKOS