We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Edwards. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.

Alright, Gabrielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

We were getting ready for an exhibition at a project space that our printing shop was holding. She approached me while I was looking at my work after I had hung it all up and asked, “I love this print; are you selling it?” I hesitated for a second after being startled by her question. She grinned and added, “I would love to buy it from you if you are,” and she then began to explain to me why and what this particular piece of art meant to her. It was the first time that I discovered that my art may resonate with people, and it make me indescribably happy. That day, I earned $45 and felt quite proud of myself.

I had never considered selling any of my art before that point. People had always told me I could, but I never thought it was a possibility. After this moment, I suddenly understood that there was a chance I could become financially successful as an artist. In that instant, a tiny spark grew into a blazing desire for me to pursue a career as a full-time professional artist.

Gabrielle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My paintings depict a journey through new lands in wondrous and imaginative ways. They allow me to use a range of brushstrokes and mark-making techniques to create an entirely new, inventive, and colorful realm. I use charcoal to create visually imaginative and whimsical art. Gem and jewel colors are my favorite to paint with since they have such a rich hue and bring my canvas to life. These colors give vibrancy and liveliness to my work. Space is a recurring theme in my compositions, but not because of the nebulous clouds, planets, or stars, which are all intriguing. It’s about using the vastness of space as the backdrop for the fascinatingly intricate and vast worlds I create. It’s all about letting your imagination run wild and broadening your horizons via exploration and adventure. With each painting I create, I am able to express my own uniqueness through inventive and colorful new worlds. I’d like to inspire others to build their own adventures as a form of self-discovery and self-realization.

My enthusiasm and dedication to the arts first came to life when I attended my first intensive art and design camp. Everybody in the room was beaming, and the atmosphere was teeming with potential. I distinctly recall leaving the camp thinking that I was destined to be an artist.

While pursuing a career as a professional artist, I have discovered that I enjoy enhancing the lives of other aspiring designers and artists who have the desire to learn more. I assist them in discovering their own distinctive and artistic style through my instruction. Their passion and excitement make it even more valuable since their joy, tenacity, and fascination are contagious. I’m constantly in awe of how much my students grow in such a short period of time when I work as a camp counselor or an instructor. Oftentimes, they teach me to think outside the box and explore new artistic methods in my works.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I think it’s excellent that NFTs give artists a different method to monetize their work and reach a larger audience. I do believe that it draws a pretty sharp line between artists who are professionals and take their craft seriously versus those that are only in it for the pay.   Additionally, it is expanding the area available to art collectors of all ages and educating them on the value of purchasing and selling works of art.

Artists and the general public realized how lucrative and advantageous it may be in the long run after Beeple went viral for generating millions off of his exquisitely constructed NFTs. I am particularly interested in where it heads and how it will alter the course of art buying, collecting, and producing in the future.

Will galleries and auction houses be able to compete in that virtual market?
Only time will tell.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Through my work, I want to motivate individuals to overcome hardships and forge ahead towards a future in which they can be victorious and proud of who they are.  Ever since I was a teenager, I wanted to help people.  I initially believed that the only way to do that was by becoming a doctor, but I soon discovered that art cures the soul in a beautiful way than a scalpel can. Art strikes at the very core of someone’s being and can be a driving force for change in one’s own life. I want my artwork to inspire them to transcend beyond their past, their shame, and their worries towards a version of themselves that exudes inner peace, joy, and victory over their past selves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gabrielleedwardsart.com/
• Instagram: @gabrielleedwards_art
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkFRRCcT7cvDL3ghOJmrvA

Image Credits
All images were taken by Gabrielle E Edwards