We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Valencia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gabriela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
I have been involved in a spectrum of multidisciplinary artistic, educational and cultural projects with local and international collectives and nonprofit organizations. Music education, the arts and community work are the foundation of my career.
At the present, I am developing COLLAGE, an Artistic and Social Project for immigrants living in the Tampa Bay Area. This arts program will be focused specifically on visual arts and musical practices; providing a safe space to be creative, and to share their emotions through harmonies, melodies, colors, textures, pictures, shapes, etc. Participants can learn free expression and group communication through different pedagogic and therapeutic art and music activities.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a visual artist and violinist, passionate about arts and culture advocacy, originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have lived in the Tampa Bay area for about 14 years. Owner of Gabriela Valencia Studio and Gallery at St. Pete Beach, Florida from 2013 to 2020. Currently I am teaching art, music to elementary and middle school, and I am always looking for creative ways for artists to support the community and vice versa. Besides focusing on my art, I try to raise awareness about social issues or advocate for change through my artistic talents.
My artwork has been featured in private collections and galleries, art centers, museums, magazines, newspapers in Ecuador and Florida. Also I have been working on commissioned work for art collectors in the USA, Canada, Germany and different businesses in the Tampa Bay Area.
My style is eclectic. It’s hard to fit into a single category. My pieces usually reflect a type of imaginary realism coupled with my subconscious searching for a link with reality. I have been substantially influenced by my Latin-American origin, magical realism movement, symbolism, and surrealism.
“My art finds real meaning when I connect with the dreams of others”
Website
www.gabrielavalenciaartist.com
Online Shop:
https://gabriela-valencia.
Social media:
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.instagram.com/
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I embarked on my journey as an artistic instructor, sharing the joys of music and art, and simultaneously immersed myself as a violinist in an orchestra in Ecuador. However, in 2003, a challenge emerged—I battled tendonitis in the wrist due to the repetitive strain from both my musical and artistic pursuits. During that period, I was concerned about my future as a visual artist. It took a lot of introspection, patience and willpower to overcome.
Fast forward to 2020, a year that tested many of us. In the midst of challenging times, I had to close down my cherished art studio gallery. Rent shot to the sky and business was scarce. It was during this moment of transition that I made a conscious decision to explore a new path. I dedicated my time to the study of cultural management. I got my Masters degree in Cultural Management and now I am driven by the heartfelt desire to champion culture through the avenues of art and music education in the St.Pete Community.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Art provides me with a unique and powerful outlet to express my thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. Additionally, I can connect with people on a deep and emotional level. As an artist I can communicate complex ideas and evoke strong emotions through art. The process of creating art often involves exploration, experimentation, and continuous learning. Creativity allows freedom of expression and exploration of new ideas and concepts.
One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to inspire creativity in others. As an art teacher I have the privilege of nurturing and guiding the artistic expressions of students, fostering a love for creativity, self-expression and lifelong appreciation for the arts.
I believe the Arts are a key for the development of the individual and society as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabrielavalenciaartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielavalenciaartist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabrielaValenciaArt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-valencia-66b85a182/
Image Credits
Gabriela Valencia