We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Colleen Gianatiempo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Colleen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.
My art business is dynamic and fun, meaning every day is a tad bit crazy. This particular story I am choosing to tell involves a commission I did for the Seale family. Before I get into the details, I will first give you context:
In January 2020, San Francisco celebrated the 30th anniversary of the world-famous sea lions’ arrival at Pier 39 by commissioning 30 local artists to each paint a six-foot-tall sea lion statue, which were then displayed in prominent areas throughout the city. This initiative sought to incorporate technology into the arts by displaying QR codes on each piece, leading a user to multi-lingual messaging focused on environmental sustainability and ocean conservation. This was the largest public STEAM initiative in California that brought together elements of science and art.
Having lived in the Bay Area for 20 years, I was so excited to apply to paint one of these unique sculptures. To my excitement, my design was selected, making me one of 30 artists chosen to paint a sea lion. Upon completion of my abstract design, I named my sea lion Mydas Touch— “Mydas” is derived from the Greek word mydos, meaning “wetness,” which I felt was an appropriate name. Following a star studded opening on Pier 39, two months prior to the pandemic, Mydas Touch was on display in front of the world-famous Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39. I could not contain my excitement when I walked up to the pier and saw Mydas Touch!
Now, this is where the Seale family comes into the picture. While on vacation in San Francisco, the family of four saw Mydas Touch and immediately fell in love with it! After scanning the QR code to learn more about the artist and the project, they decided to contact me to inquire about commissioning their own custom-painted sea lion. Given their last name is Seale, they thought it was particularly fitting!
Plans were set in motion: we secured the sea lion substrate, discussed the artistic vision, bought flights, and voilà! In August 2022, I flew to the Seale family’s home in Washington, D.C. and painted their first sea lion, Samantha. Her design draws inspiration from the beauty of the DC area, including the Flowering Dogwood, the Northern Cardinal, and the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Not only was this the start of a professional relationship, but a friendship, too.
Then, in March 2023, the second sea lion, Sammy, came to life! I traveled to the Seale family’s second home in Key Largo/Ocean Reef, Florida, and painted Samantha’s brother. Sammy features a playful, vibrant, and tropical design representative of the area. Additionally, my friendship with the Seale family continued to blossom. In June of 2024, Severn will be born! The Seale family will have its third sea lion sculpture painted by me in Annapolis, Maryland. Once again, the design will reflect the unique nature of Annapolis and the imagery that has meaning for the family.
The best part of this experience has been discovering how much the Seale family and I have in common: we were all born the same year, have kids of similar ages, and have lots of fun together, fostering an unexpected yet fun filled friendship!
This story captures the unpredictable nature of art: how a single commission in San Francisco evolved into a multi-year sea lion project filled with art, travel, and friends!
I never anticipated this. Art has a wonderful way of bringing people together.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me
Hello! My name is Colleen Gianatiempo, and I am the Founder and Creative Director of Gianatiempo Fine Art. As an artist and educator, I navigate the realms of fine art, academia, and creative entrepreneurship. I embody the “Jill of all Trades” spirit in my creative pursuits.
My fine art reaches a global audience through commissions, gallery exhibitions, and online platforms. As a professor at Utah Tech University, I share my expertise in art history and contemporary painting, while also running a virtual fine art school. I am also a part of the Global Art Project, showcasing my work and collaborating internationally. Last year, I attended an artist residency in Lecce, Italy and taught a 5 day workshop with the GAP. Additionally, I merge art with fashion through a clothing line featuring my original designs from my paintings. Housewares is also an option along with clothing. I still dabble in graphic design where I bring clients’ visions to life and also, my own! I used my skills everyday in marketing myself! I and as a board member of the Southern Utah Arts Guild, I lead impactful initiatives, including the annual Art Biz Workshop and a new Art Walk in St. George, Utah where I live and work. I also contribute to Women Out West, a collective of professional female artists dedicated to creation and exhibition. One month ago, I decided to sell prints of my work so everyone can enjoy my art! I just launched “Italian Summer” Collection. Gianatiempoartprints is where you will find these whimsical and fun prints!
My Path to the Industry
My entry into the art industry was a blend of serendipity and determination. After earning a Master of Fine Arts in non-figurative abstract painting from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, I began building my portfolio and exhibiting my work. Each project offered a chance to learn and push the boundaries of my creativity. I launched my business in 2017 right after I graduated. I had two shows upon graduation in San Francisco and I will never forget walking down New Montgomery Street in the Financial District and seeing my paintings in the window! I was hooked! A pivotal moment in my art career was being selected to paint for “The Hearts of San Francisco,” which brought significant attention and acclaim. This success inspired me to establish Gianatiempo Fine Art and fully commit to my passion.
Shortly after founding Gianatiempo Fine Art, a fellow artist friend mentioned a Bay Area Art Guild was looking for an abstract instructor. I applied, got the job, and my teaching career began. I quickly realized my passion and natural talent for teaching; my nurturing and inclusive teaching approach empowers students to excel, regardless of their art background. After five years of teaching throughout the Bay Area, I expanded my reach to other states and eventually began teaching internationally.
What We Offer
At Gianatiempo Fine Art, we specialize in original fine art, fine art prints, virtual art classes, and in-person workshops. Each class or custom artwork is crafted to uphold the highest standards of quality, creativity, and innovation. We take pride in customizing our offerings to the unique needs of our collectors and students.
Solving Problems and Creating Value
When selling fine art, understanding the client’s specific needs and motivations is crucial—the artist must balance aesthetics, personal enjoyment, financial considerations, and cultural desires.
Similarly, participating in a fine art class provides students with many benefits that enhance their well-being. Depending on the individual, art classes can improve development, help mental health, and nurture personal growth. This was especially true during the pandemic. Students said that my classes saved their lives!
Distinctive Edge
What distinguishes Gianatiempo Fine Art is our pursuit of excellence and commitment to creativity, offering unique fine art and art programs.
The process of making art is as important to me as the finished piece. I layer diverse materials and media to create moods and atmospheres, embracing process art as a core part of my practice. My toolkit is eclectic and unconventional, including paint, collage, oil pastels, crayons, water media, inks, and an array of household tools like squeegees, scrapers, Q-tips, and credit cards. I also incorporate elements such as yarn, caps, packaging, and rust, while also exploring techniques like cyanotype and monoprinting.
We practice what we preach. At Gianatiempo Fine Art, we don’t just focus on following trends; we aim to set them. By immersing ourselves in the art world daily and maintaining a strong commitment to lifelong learning, we consistently bring fresh, impactful ideas to the table.
Proud Achievements
One of my proudest achievements is my involvement with public art, where I enhance the beauty of spaces, promote powerful messages, and impact lives. Projects such as the “Small Town with a Big Heart Mural,” “Love is Key” utility boxes, “Hearts of San Francisco” sculptures, “The American Backyard Project” painted chairs, and the “Pier 39 Sea Lion Project” have significantly benefited communities. Not only do these artworks beautify public spaces, but they also convey important messages and positively influence local businesses and residents.
Key Takeaways for Potential Clients/Fans
I approach life and art with sensitivity, empathy, and a playful spirit, infusing positive energy and happiness into every interaction within Gianatiempo Fine Art. Clients experience a commitment to creativity, innovation, and their priorities. Quality is key, and we are committed to excellence. We believe in the power of collaboration, transforming ideas into reality, and achieving your goals. Whether in a class or with a fine art piece, we look forward to creating something extraordinary with you!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020, it abruptly disrupted my career as an in-person educator in the Bay Area. I was in the midst of teaching an eight-week course when everything shut down, necessitating a sudden and significant pivot. The challenge was not only to continue teaching but to do so in a completely new and unfamiliar format—online.
To adapt, I first needed to overcome the technical hurdles. With limited resources, I transformed an old film camera tripod into a makeshift stand for my iPhone, using a 2×4, velcro, and duct tape to create a demo camera setup. This improvised solution was crucial for demonstrating techniques during my classes. Next, I had to master Zoom and figure out how to synchronize my laptop and iPhone without causing reverberation noise, a task that required some experimentation and problem-solving.
The transition wasn’t just about getting myself online; it also involved guiding my students through the process. Many were unfamiliar with the necessary technology, and the learning curve was steep. Despite resistance from one of the institutions where I taught, which feared leaving behind less tech-savvy students, I was determined to make it work for everyone. The breakthrough moment came when I successfully helped Ruthie H., an 88-year-old student, get online. Her success was a turning point that bolstered my confidence and proved that it was possible to include everyone.
The initial phase was nerve-wracking and frustrating, but it ultimately led to the establishment of my virtual online school. By 2024, this school has grown to include students from across the country and around the world, with the furthest student located in Tel Aviv. The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that my classes were a vital source of support during the pandemic. This experience not only allowed me to continue my teaching career but also expanded my reach and impact in ways I had never imagined.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the meaningful connections I make with my students, clients, fellow artists and collectors. These relationships are highly rewarding as they allow me to share my passion for art, which they in turn celebrate. For instance, my students’ enthusiasm often inspires my demonstrations, and these pieces sometimes evolve into final artworks that are sold to collectors. This contagious celebration of art forms powerful connections, fostering a vibrant and supportive community within my business.
Not only do I share mutual inspiration with my clients, but I also take great joy in witnessing the transformation of my students. I see them gain confidence, discover their unique artistic voices, win awards, gain entry into shows and develop a lifelong appreciation for creativity. This journey as an educator is profoundly rewarding; teaching is my superpower that allows me to share my passion for art and empower others to explore their own potential.
Another aspect I love about art is its profound impact on the brain. By stimulating creativity, art can enhance memory, boost feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, and improve overall cognitive function. On an emotional level, art classes offer a therapeutic escape from daily stress and creates a deep sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. The book “Your Brain on Art” beautifully captures the neuroscience behind these benefits, highlighting the positive effects of art on both individuals and communities.
I love being able to express myself through drawing and painting daily, whether for personal enjoyment, a demonstration for my students, or a fine art commission. The act of creating is not only a means of personal expression, but also a way to positively impact others. Creation is a two-way street, where the exchange of inspiration enhances all our lives, which is why being an artist and a teacher is so incredibly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gianatiempogallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianatiempofineart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studioGianatiempo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-gianatiempo-49124a6/
- Twitter: N/A
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoQ_6QIJb3KNb22gs7zuVEg
- Other: https://www.gianatiempoartprints.com/
https://www.legaleriste.com/en/colleen.gianatiempo
Image Credits
Colleen Gianatiempo