We were lucky to catch up with Giselle Tate recently and have shared our conversation below.

Giselle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Absolutely, I’m overjoyed as an artist! It’s true, there are days when the unconventional path of an artist can seem daunting compared to a regular job. But then, I remember the days when I was in that ‘regular’ job and I realize how much more fulfillment I get from being an artist. I embarked on a soul-searching journey to discover what truly sparked joy for me, and it was a resounding ‘yes’ to being a full-time artist. The freedom to create, to express myself and bring my ideas to life – there’s no feeling quite like it. So yes, I am incredibly happy with where I am.

Giselle , 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?

Hi There, I’m Giselle Tate, a Brazilian-born artist who found her true calling in the most unexpected way. Over the course of ten years, I had the privilege of working with granite and marble countertops, as well as refinishing kitchen cabinets. This job was a beautiful blend of practicality and creativity. I loved to see the ‘before and after’ of the projects. There was an indescribable satisfaction in breathing new life into a living space.
But then, as the world came to a standstill during the pandemic, leftover paints from the cabinets became my escape, my way of finding calm amidst the chaos. As I began to play with colors and patterns, I discovered a passion I never knew existed. It was like opening a door to a world I had always been meant to explore. The thrill of creating something entirely from my imagination was intoxicating.
I wanted to learn everything about it and dove headfirst into art classes and workshops. Before I knew it, I had opened a pop-up selfie museum in New Orleans, aptly named ‘Artmazing Gallery.’ It was a whirlwind of creativity and excitement, catching the attention of Forbes, Fox, and local news outlets. It felt like juggling two worlds, but I was on fire!
I started collaborating with restaurants and hotels, organizing brand activations, and eventually made the bold decision to pursue art as my full-time career. After the pop-up closed, my journey led me to Tampa where I am currently working on curating an entire art collection. Throughout my life, I’ve always been a risk-taker, choosing to leap before looking. This quality has been incredibly valuable in both my personal and artistic pursuits.
In high school, I remember hearing a story about training a flea. This tiny creature would jump in a jar, hitting the lid repeatedly until it learned not to jump too high to avoid hurting itself. Even when the lid was removed, the flea would never again jump as high as it could.
That metaphor struck a chord with me. Like those fleas, we often limit our ambitions, hemmed in by unseen barriers of fear, doubt, and limiting beliefs. But, dear readers, I refuse to be like that flea!
In my life and my art, I strive to break free from that jar. My art is a bold statement against the norm, a maximalist celebration of color, pattern, and texture. It’s my way of saying, We can do whatever we want. The sky is the limit. (“I’m not a flea” lol)

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

#1 for me was “The Artist’s way” by Julia Cameron – There were moments of self-doubt, times when I felt like a complete fraud. I would look at these amazing artists, their work steeped in years of training and experience, and I’d wonder if I had any right to be amongst them. Then, I came across a quote in the book that resonated deeply: “It’s the audacity and not the talent that makes one an artist.” It was a game-changer for me. It made me realize that being an artist isn’t just about having technical skills or formal training. It’s about the courage to express oneself, to create something out of nothing, to bare your soul to the world through your work.

Embracing this mindset helped me navigate through the impostor syndrome. I began to see myself as an artist, not because of what I had learned or achieved, but because of my audacity to create and share my work. This shift in perspective was liberating. It allowed me to own my identity as an artist and to embrace my unique journey.

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

Show your support for local and living artists! Purchasing original artwork is a wonderful way to show support, but support doesn’t always have to be monetary. Follow your favorite artists on social media, engage with their posts, share their work, and leave them a friendly comment or two. These small gestures cost nothing, but they can brighten an artist’s day and help expand their reach. Consider attending local art events too. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with artists, understand their creative process, and maybe even discover new favorites!
Every bit of support, no matter how small, helps keep the vibrant spirit of creativity alive in our community. So, engage, share, recommend – it all makes a difference to an artist’s journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.giselletate.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giselletate_art/

Image Credits
Rana Tierney from Roohi Photography Instagram: @roohiphoto https://roohiphotography.com/