We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Jaxon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gabriela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Taking risks has been a consistent theme in my journey, but one moment that stands out was the decision to leave behind the security of a traditional career path and fully commit to my passion for art. This was not just a career risk; it was a leap into the unknown, where the stakes were both personal and professional.
The backstory is rooted in my early years as an immigrant in the United States. I had always harbored a deep love for art, but like many first-generation immigrants, I felt the pressure to pursue a stable, conventional career—something that could provide certainty in a world that often felt uncertain. I studied and Psychology and Communications, fields that I found intellectually stimulating and rewarding, but the pull of art never faded. It was a constant presence, a voice urging me to express myself, to create, and to share my vision with the world.
The risk I took was to listen to that voice, to step away from the expected and into the realm of the unknown. Graduating early with a Bachelor of Science degree, I decided to move to New York City—a place that had always represented the pinnacle of artistic opportunity. It was a city that promised both possibility and challenge, where success was never guaranteed, but where the potential for growth was immense.
With nothing more than my portfolio, my passion, and an unwavering belief in my purpose, I immersed myself in the vibrant but fiercely competitive world of art and murals. It wasn’t an easy transition. There were moments of doubt, when the weight of uncertainty felt almost too heavy to bear. But every mural I painted, every connection I made, reinforced my decision. The challenges were many, but so were the rewards.
The risk paid off in ways I could never have fully anticipated. My work began to resonate, to speak to others in a way that was both personal and universal. I found myself creating not just art, but connections—between communities, cultures, and individuals. I became a Meta-sponsored creator, collaborated with organizations that aligned with my values, and had the honor of seeing my work inspire others.
In the end, this risk was not just about pursuing a career in art. It was about choosing to live authentically, to honor the voice within me that refused to be silenced. It was about embracing the unknown and trusting in my ability to carve out a path where none existed before. The journey was—and continues to be—one of resilience, creativity, and transformation. And it is a testament to the power of taking risks, especially when they lead you closer to your true self.
Gabriela, 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?
For those who may be learning about me for the first time, I am Gabriela Jaxon, a Peruvian-born multidisciplinary artist. My journey into the world of art was not a straight path but rather a series of steps shaped by resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of creative expression.
I moved to the United States as a child, bringing with me the vibrant culture of Peru and the challenges of navigating a new world. Art became my sanctuary, a way to make sense of my experiences and carve beauty out of adversity. It was more than just a passion; it was a language through which I could communicate the emotions and stories that words often failed to capture.
Graduating early with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Communications, I took a bold step and moved to New York City, a place that represented both opportunity and challenge. It was here that I fully embraced my identity as a full-time artist and muralist. My work spans across public art, fine art, and 3D sculptures, each piece serving as a testament to the resilience and strength that lies within us all.
What sets my work apart is its ability to merge the personal with the universal. I draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources—Greek mythology, the mysteries of the ocean, the ornate grandeur of Baroque and Rococo art, and the natural beauty of flora and fauna. Yet, every piece I create is deeply rooted in the stories of the communities I serve. My art creates ethereal portals that invite reflection, dialogue, and connection, transforming walls and spaces into experiences that resonate with those who engage with them.
I am most proud of the impact my work has had on the communities I’ve been privileged to engage with. Whether it’s a mural that breathes new life into an urban landscape or an installation that fosters a sense of belonging, my art is designed to empower and inspire. Projects like the ‘Love and Peace’ murals for the United Methodist Church in Downtown St. Petersburg and collaborations with organizations such as PACE for Girls and Sephora have allowed me to create vibrant expressions of unity and resilience, often reflecting the diverse experiences of those I work with.
For my clients and followers, I want them to know that my work is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about transformation—of spaces, of communities, and of the individuals who engage with it. My art is a catalyst for connection, understanding, and empowerment. I believe that art has the power to communicate and express the complex emotions and stories that define our human experience. It is my hope that through my work, people find a piece of themselves, feel seen and understood, and are inspired to embrace their own stories of resilience.
Ultimately, my brand is built on the belief that art has the power to open hearts and minds, to reveal beauty in unexpected places, and to foster meaningful connections. It is this belief that drives every piece I create and every project I undertake, and it is what I hope to continue sharing with the world.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience has been the foundation of my journey as an artist, and one moment that vividly captures this is my decision to accept my first large-scale mural commission in New York City. It was a project that tested not just my skills as an artist, but my determination and belief in myself.
Before moving to New York, I had tried to introduce my art in Central Florida, only to face numerous closed doors. I was often told that my dreams were too big for those cities at the time, that the kind of large-scale public art I envisioned wasn’t something they were ready to embrace. It was a difficult realization, but I knew that if I wanted to make my dreams a reality, I had to make the bold choice to move away.
I had recently moved to New York, a city known for its relentless pace and competitive nature. I had graduated early with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Communications, but I knew that my true calling was in art. The decision to pursue it full-time was a leap of faith, and New York was the place where I intended to make that leap count.
The opportunity to paint a 70-foot by 17-foot mural in a Brooklyn high-rise presented itself—a chance to transform a blank wall into a vibrant expression of art. But with this opportunity came immense pressure. The wall, towering and unyielding, felt like a metaphor for the challenges I had faced throughout my life—immigration, cultural adaptation, language barriers, and the weight of being the first in my family to achieve many milestones.
As I stood before that blank wall, I felt a surge of doubt. The task ahead seemed almost insurmountable. But in that moment, I drew on the resilience that had carried me through so many challenges before. I reminded myself of the strength it took to navigate a new country, to learn a new language, and to carve out a space for myself in a world that often felt foreign and succeed. This mural was another step in that journey, another test of my resolve.
Day by day, I poured my heart into that mural. The work was physically exhausting and mentally demanding, but with each layer of paint, I felt a deeper connection to my purpose. The mural became more than just a project; it was a manifestation of my resilience, a visual representation of the strength that lies within us all.
When the mural was finally completed, it stood as a testament to the power of perseverance. The once blank wall had been transformed into a vibrant, living piece of art that resonated with the community. It was a moment of triumph, not just for the art itself, but for the journey it represented—the journey of an immigrant artist who refused to let obstacles define her, who chose to turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth and expression.
This experience reinforced my belief that resilience is not just about enduring hardships, but about transforming them into something beautiful, something that can inspire and empower others. It is this belief that continues to drive my work, as I strive to create art that speaks to the resilience within us all.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that transcends the ordinary and touches the hearts of those who encounter it. For me, art is not just about the act of creation; it’s about the connections that are forged through that creation. There is a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing that my work can inspire, uplift, and resonate with others on a deep level.
One of the most gratifying moments is witnessing how my art transforms a space and, more importantly, how it affects the people who experience it. Whether it’s seeing a community come together around a mural or hearing from someone who felt seen and understood through my work, these moments of connection are what make all the challenges worthwhile.
Art has the power to communicate emotions and stories that words often cannot. It allows me to express my own experiences, but also to create a space where others can find their own reflections. Knowing that my work can provide a sense of belonging, empowerment, or even just a moment of joy is incredibly rewarding. It’s these connections—between the art, the viewer, and the broader community—that fuel my passion and drive to continue creating.
Being an artist also means forging new paths—both personally and professionally. As the first woman in my family to graduate from college, learn to drive, speak English, and start a business, I’ve had to navigate challenges that often felt insurmountable. Each of these milestones was a step toward breaking down barriers, not just for myself but for others who might follow. These experiences have deeply shaped my creative journey, fueling my desire to turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth and expression.
The ability to break barriers and pave the way for others is deeply fulfilling. I take pride in showing that it’s possible to follow your passion, to turn challenges into opportunities, and to create a life that is both meaningful and impactful. This journey has not been easy, but the rewards—both in the art itself and in the lives it touches—are immeasurable.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that my work has a purpose beyond myself. It’s about creating something that speaks to the resilience within us all, something that inspires others to see the beauty in their own stories and to embrace their own creative potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chromasthetic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielajaxon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielajaxon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielajaxon
Image Credits
Julian Sanchez