We were fortunate to recently catch up with Graciela Zolman, and we are excited to share our conversation below.

Hi Graciela, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From an early age, I was drawn to the world of art, feeling a profound connection whenever I held a paintbrush or drawing utensil. This passion was my true calling, nurtured by the unwavering support of my community—my friends, family, and schools. They encouraged me to delve into a variety of creative pursuits, from photography and clay sculpting to collage design, painting, and drawing. Among these, watercolors emerged as my preferred medium, allowing me to express my artistic vision with fluidity and grace.

My grandmothers played significant roles in nurturing my early artistic endeavors. Originating from Ecuador and Romania, their contributions were pivotal in the evolution of my artistic path. My Ecuadorian grandmother introduced me to heartfelt creations of underprivileged Ecuadorian children, inspiring me to channel my art for charitable causes. My Romanian grandmother, Nana, introduced me to the rich tapestry of art and culture in New York City, igniting my admiration for artists like Jackson Pollock, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. Pollock’s intense and dynamic works, especially resonant due to his ties to my hometown in the Hamptons, left an indelible mark on me. A visit to his home and studio during my middle school years afforded me a glimpse into his creative sanctuary, with memories of the paint-splattered floors mirroring his iconic style.

The impressionist mastery of Monet and van Gogh captivated me with their brilliant use of color and texture, an enchantment that endures. Like them, I find solace and inspiration in nature and as a child, often painted flowers and landscapes that reflected the beauty of the natural world around me.

As I grew, I ventured through various artistic and professional avenues, occasionally stepping away from my creative endeavors, only to find art persistently weaving its way back into my life. I learned that stifling creativity often led to a sense of frustration.

In my teenage years, my passion for fine arts, photography, and fashion intensified. Initially contemplating a Fine Arts degree, I instead chose to delve into the world of fashion marketing and merchandising, followed by fashion design at the esteemed Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design. This exploratory phase allowed me to grasp the financial and commercial facets of fashion, while later engaging deeply with the textures, patterns, colors, and avant-garde elements of textiles, all while learning from leading fashion designers.

Following my undergraduate studies, I spent several years in the fashion industry before deciding to make a significant career change by pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Science to become an Acupuncturist. This transition, though unexpected to my family, felt aligned with my journey. A patient’s remark that likened acupuncture to an art form, resonated with me deeply. Art remained a vital part of my existence, inspiring me to pursue my interest in expressionism and abstract art alongside my professional pursuits.

In my mid-twenties, I was particularly inspired by the artist Mark Rothko, a pioneer in Color Field Painting. I greatly admire his well-defined stylistic method. His large-scale paintings and choice of color schemes create visually powerful masterpieces. Gerhard Richter is another favorite abstract painter of mine. Studying his techniques was a pivotal point in my development as an artist. I enjoy the way he layers colors, creating layers with pockets and overlapping textures, adhering to the philosophy of “letting a thing come, rather than creating it.” My father built large-scale squeegees modeled after those used by Richter, as seen in the 2011 documentary Gerhard Richter Painting. Exploring these and other abstract artists, I was motivated to create my own expressionism and abstract art. Painting was secondary to my graduate school program and later to my Ciel Acupuncture practice of eleven-years, but it was definitely becoming more than just a hobby. My father always said, “People should follow their passions to find fulfillment in life.” And I have been trying to adhere to this.

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 background and context?

I was raised in the picturesque town of Southampton, New York, surrounded by stunning beaches and a multicultural tapestry woven by my first-generation Romanian father and Ecuadorian mother. Our home was a vibrant hub, echoing with a symphony of languages—Romanian, Italian, German, and predominantly Spanish and French, with Spanish being my first language. My upbringing was a rich mosaic of travel and exposure to diverse cultures and languages.

As a child, I spent summers in the quaint town of Chateau-d’Oex in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, immersing myself in Swiss culture. A serendipitous encounter with a talented artist counselor at summer camp allowed me to indulge in painting and sculpting clay during my leisure time. Although I have an affinity for mountainous landscapes, the beach is where I feel most at home.
Now residing in Florida, I find daily rejuvenation in the sun and ocean, drawing inspiration from the expansive blue skies and verdant surroundings. This environment is a constant source of creativity, fueling my artistic endeavors with its endless beauty.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I embrace the belief that events unfold for a higher purpose, even though I sometimes regret not having moved to Paris to attend The New School Parsons in Paris fine arts program, for which I was accepted. The dream of living in Paris was close to my heart, and it was a bitter disappointment when it didn’t materialize. However, each transition in my career path has been a stepping stone, molding me into the artist I am today. I also hold dear the 11 years I dedicated to my private acupuncture practice, where I had the privilege of aiding patients in their healing journey. I aspire for my artwork to evolve into a medium of healing in various capacities.

Throughout my artistic voyage, I’ve grappled with self-doubt and uncertainty, leading to significant shifts in my career choices. Despite the hurdles and detours, my passion for painting endured and thrived, especially with the support of friends and family who acknowledged my talent and encouraged me towards a successful painting career. Two aunts, both professional artists, served as inspirations, exemplifying that artistic endeavors can prosper at any stage of life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I have come to understand that the notion of beautiful art emerging from inner turmoil is a misconception. The stereotype of the talented yet tormented artist is a cliché that I have learned to dismiss. This realization dawned on me after spending a considerable part of my childhood with an older cousin who, despite being immensely talented, struggled with self-destructive behaviors. By shedding these self-sabotaging tendencies and misconceptions, I discovered that a blend of passion, diligence, and self-belief paves the way to limitless opportunities in the art world. Embracing imperfections and drawing inspiration from a place of tranquility have become the cornerstones of my creative philosophy, enabling me to share my ardor for art with others. Each artist is distinct, and I hold the conviction that all art is ‘imperfectly perfect’—the true allure resides within the imperfections.

Contact Info:

• Website: GracielaZolmanArt.com
• Instagram: GracielaZolmanArt https://instagram.com/gracielazolmanart?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/GracielaZolmanArt
• Other: GracielaZolmanArt@gmail.com

Image Credits
Paige Vuoto all images except the last one
Madison Hund last photo