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

Pamela, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Three years ago, I applied for a grant with National Geographic to travel to Vietnam and paint about the ocean plastic pollution. Although I didn’t get the grant, the research opened my eyes to the horrific litter problem. This lit a fire in my heart to use my art to bring awareness to environmental issues. During the grant proposal process, I was connected with Keep America Beautiful and was invited to exhibit my paintings at their annual Vision’s Gala in NYC. This is when I came up with the idea of Ruby, the Recycling Octopus, and painted her on a large canvas that hung like a tapestry from repurposed ship’s wood. This was the first of many exciting adventures for Ruby and me. Two years ago, Ruby won the Montgomery Parks’ Clean Waterways contest and I, along with kids from the local community, painted her on a park storm drain. This fun adventure led to a grant from Keep Maryland Beautiful to design and help paint four more storm drain murals for Montgomery Parks, one of which included Ruby. Over the past two years, I have worked with approximately 100 volunteers to help paint five storm drains for environmental impact. This project is now being nominated for the Best Urban BMP in the Bay (BUBBA) Award! Last summer, Ruby and I also won the Montgomery County Commission for Women’s Girl Power contest (adult category). Now, I am working on 3-D paintings of her, using recycled plastic pellets and flakes. This has been very exciting for me, finally finding a way not only to use recycled materials in my art, but to create unique art. Most recently, Ruby and I have been invited to be part of this month’s Keep America Beautiful’s National Conference in Washington, D.C. It is so exciting to see Ruby make a big environmental impact on our world.

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

Many people don’t know that I am also a nurse. In college, I started out as an art major, but switched into nursing to make sure I would always have a job. For 17 years, I worked as a Pediatric/Neonatal ICU nurse, but was always drawn back into art. So, I started taking art classes again, honed my skills, and even started getting commissions. Once I felt confident, I took a leap of faith and left nursing so I could pour 100% of myself into art. I have never looked back! When I lived in Texas, I had a commercial art business and even operated a studio/gallery for two years. Since moving to Maryland 10 years ago, I evolved into an environmental artist, connecting with the local parks and a nonprofit. I believe I have succeeded because I go the extra mile, diving into research for paintings, blogs, and videos, and donating 20% of profits to these causes. I create original paintings, and murals, and teach and mentor students who need portfolio development for college. My art is unique because of my creation of Ruby, the recycling octopus, and my use of recycled plastic products in my paintings for a 3-D effect. To pull this off, I have spent hours experimenting, trying out, and eventually perfecting new techniques. Despite some failures in working on this process, I never gave up. I am also starting to write a children’s book about Ruby, which is another way to spread the message needed to heal our world. I am very proud of Ruby and the impact she is having on our environment.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is being true to who I really am, to let my spirit be free and see what it where it goes. I am grateful that I can express my thoughts using my God-given talents in a way that is productive and can have a lasting impact on this world.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

There have been many times in my art career when I have been asked to work for free, or donate my art for a cause. I love giving back, but I cannot consistently do this without getting paid. Society can support artist more by recognizing that their job has value, just like any other profession (such as a doctor or an accountant), and they should be paid fairly for their work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pamelagordimerart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsnnature/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pamela.gordimer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-gordimer-99100590/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PamelaGordimer

Image Credits
Painting photos by Debra Halprin