We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gloria Hernando of Latin for Glory a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gloria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I have worked on is my ongoing series “Terra Mater: Burn to Bloom” which is Latin for Mother Earth.
I have been dedicating my practice for several years to exploring the relationship between natural elements and the human spirit. I began with fire, transitioned into light, and since the pandemic I have been focusing on developing work centered around the element of earth. These past two years have included deep research into earth’s historical, symbolic, and cultural associations as well learning how to work with the mediums of ceramics and oil paint. This process has led to a complete evolution of my practice in materiality, concept, scale, and even location. “Terra Mater: Burn to Bloom” was recently presented in Santa Fe, New Mexico, marking it the first showcase outside of my hometown of Miami. Although this series took me outside of my home, it brought me back to my roots. The artwork explored themes about heritage, identity, environment, and rebirth – all topics that connect to earth. Through the diverse subject matters of portraiture, figurativism, and landscape, I shared my personal story as a Dominican American growing up with two homes until losing it all, including my grandfather who passed away just last year. Each piece serves as a guiding light through the journey of trauma to rebirth – from burn to bloom. The message is one of hope as we transition life’s challenges that ultimately lead to our growth and transformation.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Gloria Hernando, artistically known as Latin for Glory. I am a multi-creative that specializes in intersecting the disciplines of visual art, design, and transpersonal psychology. My diverse platform unites under the goal of harnessing spiritual and environmental empowerment. Since 2013, I have incorporated the archetype bull as the Latin for Glory emblem that symbolizes my passion to ignite perseverance, strength, and glory around the world. I utilize creativity as a tool and catalyst for empowering humanity and planet on our collective journey from trauma to rebirth.
Experimentation and exploration remain the core of my practice. My work – both in art as in design – is not limited to any particular style or aesthetic. Instead, it is my goal to work with a variety of projects to break away from standard practices and focus on innovation and conversations that propel us into a better future. In a time where society is constantly being pulled further away from optimal wellbeing, I aim to stand out and ensure that people hold on to their spirituality and natural environment – two elements that ignite personal power and freedom. It is by connecting with my community and clients that I can problem solve and find unique ways to bring deeper meaning into our daily lives.
In regards to my background, I am self-taught in the arts and studied Architecture at the University of Miami, Interior Design at the University of Florida, as well as French Interior Design and Architecture at Parson’s Summer Intensive in Paris. I worked several years as a professional Project Manager and Interior Designer while continuing to develop my visual art on the side. In 2018, I took the leap of faith and opened the first Latin for Glory studio as an independent creative. This led to two solo art exhibitions, “Seven Fires” and “Let There Be Light” in the Miami Design District. My art has been presented in group art shows that include Aqua Art Miami and the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series Semi-Finalist exhibit at N’namdi Gallery. I was selected for Urbanism Summit’s “Impermanence” initiative, as well as Artefacto’s “Tappo Arts” benefiting Baptist Health Cancer Institute and the Miami Marine Stadium’s “If Seats Could Talk” project. In addition to visual art, I have conducted live art performances in the past for notable clients including Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevrolet, Macys, and H&M. I currently merge all creative passions under Latin for Glory with a focus on awakening the bull around the world.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
The one thing I am happy to clarify for non-creatives that may be struggling to understand my artistic journey is that I do not fit in any preconceived box. I am intentionally breaking away from being a slave to one style or medium which is why I have spent my entire artistic career expanding into different forms of expression. Since childhood, I have ventured into classical ballet, piano, fine art, architecture, interior design and more. For me, this creative journey is all about learning as many foundational rules as possible and then breaking them the Gloria way. Everything I do carries the same core mission to empower others but is free from limitations. I aim to experiment, explore, recreate, and push boundaries – all of which is impossible if I spend my days painting the same thing over and over again simply to comply with an outdated system. Eventually, all the different Latin for Glory facets will come together in a way that makes “more sense”, but for now I am focusing on building a wildly different dream one project at a time.
As for my fellow creatives, I highly recommend doing exactly what it is you want to do. I believe our roles as artist is to be pioneers and lead conversations in novel directions. We have a unique ability and freedom to venture into new platforms as we work on defining our individual voice. If you have always been a painter and want to make films, go for it! Perhaps you’ve spent your career making ceramic vases and now prefer to sing your stories out loud – don’t let anything stop you.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The most pivotal decision proved to be the greatest leap in my life. As time went by, I began to feel an overwhelming weight to be working to advance other people’s goals while I had huge dreams to accomplish. I spent years working within firms while continuing to develop art collections and commissions on the side. It got to a point that I had the decision to either chose stability or fulfillment. In 2018, I mustered up the courage to quit my job as an interior designer to focus solely on Latin for Glory. This led to opening my first studio in the Miami Design District, followed by two solo art exhibitions. A few years later, I began working on Latin for Glory Design Studio interior projects, and now have a successful business that allows me to merge all my passions under one roof. The multi-faceted aspect of my career comes with the extra work and challenges but even greater satisfaction that I get to spend my life doing exactly what I want to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.latinforglory.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/latinforglory
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCPz8HbatcsqBuo1R4Ijh2w
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@latinforglory https://vimeo.com/latinforglory
Image Credits
Ramon Olivieri