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

Hi Grace Kelly, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In December 2023, I received a request from a potential client named Jason Likens regarding a custom order. He had previously seen one of my projects that focused on men’s mental health awareness and expressed interest in purchasing it. That piece was already on display at a local business, so I offered to make him a custom one. He decided to place an order for two custom pieces.

I gradually got to know Jason and his story, and it really inspired me. I took his story and made something that had all the details of his journey. I wanted it to be something that reminded him of everything he went through and overcame, and to keep on applying that to his life. It was something he’d have to explain to others, and in doing so, share his story to inspire them too. I added some motivational quotes and icons and called it “No Days Off.”

Despite experiencing a ruptured back, undergoing abdominal surgery, and receiving a diagnosis of heart failure, Jason demonstrated resilience and determination and prioritized his health. Through focused training and dedication, he successfully completed multiple 5K races. His efforts resulted in a significant reduction in his blood pressure and the resolution of his heart failure.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the phrase “Beast Mode” when I thought about his story. You know, Jason has been through a lot, and now he was training like a beast for a triathlon. So, for the second piece, I drew Jason emerging from the frame in his beast mode, breaking through the barriers. Through this piece, my intention is to provide Jason with a constant visual reminder of who he is NOW. I called it “Breaking Barriers”.

At that time, I was living in Orlando, Florida, and Jason was in North Carolina. This project was really important to me, and I have so much respect for Jason’s story. I decided I wanted to hand-deliver it to him myself. My husband and I drove all the way from Florida to Virginia first to meet up with our friend Lashawn Merritt. Lashawn is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a world champion sprinter. He was also really inspired by Jason’s story. I asked him to help me finish my piece by adding a special quote just for Jason. He wrote, “The only way to get past it is to get through it.” And that’s exactly what Jason did.

This project was a rewarding experience. I was able to portray what I saw in Jason and provide something inspiring with it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey to discovering my passion for art has been extensive. I enjoy creating personalized artworks that narrate an individual’s life story. These pieces serve as conversation starters, allowing clients to share their stories with enthusiasm. As I get to know my clients, they often become friends, and I am able to invest my emotions into each unique creation. I enjoy incorporating vibrant colors and luminous effects into my artwork, as these elements help to bring stories to life and make them shine.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part about creating art for me has been the connections I get to make. I take my time to get to know each client in order to create the most personalized piece. With this I get to connect and learn about the clients journey. Once I create something meaningful for them i am able to touch that person’s heart I create a lifelong friendship. I feel I am able to make a difference in their lives by bringing a visual beauty to their story.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Before I became a full-time artist, I was juggling a 9-5 office job, running a barbershop, and raising three boys with my husband. Unfortunately, I was laid off from my job, and we faced financial difficulties. However, this challenging situation unexpectedly provided me with more time to focus on my art. I utilized my artistic skills to enhance the appearance of our barbershop, and to my surprise, my artwork began to sell. Through hard work and dedication, I gradually progressed towards my dream career and successfully transitioned into becoming a full-time artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_zen_lab?igsh=MWY4bm94aG1raTFraQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheZenLab?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits

Joel Alexander Fontanez