We recently connected with Rebekah Gaillard and have shared our conversation below.
Rebekah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The project that really means the world to me is my very first solo exhibition. It’s something I’ve been dreaming up for over two years. This exhibition showed me that there are no bounds to my art career. It was the first time in my entire career where I let myself be vulnerable, and that vulnerability really came through in my artwork.
Additionally, it was the first major step in putting myself out there as a “fine” artist. Achieving that goal was like a reminder that if I set my mind to something and put in the effort, I can make it happen. I’m really excited about creating more pieces for future exhibitions. It’s just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where my art journey takes me next!
Rebekah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an artist and creative director based in Indianapolis who uses photography to paint vivid, thought-provoking, and emotionally expressive images that help me to make sense of my personal experiences. I derive inspiration from music, fashion, and my cultural identity as a Black, immigrant woman. Beyond creating beautiful works that inspire dialogue, I also seek to reframe the role of photography in the fine arts world. With the emergence of smart phones and applications that have put sophisticated image editing tools into the hands of millions, photography continues to be criticized as an illegitimate or primarily commercial artform. I aim to demonstrate, through mastery of artistic elements like light and form, that photography can be just as sophisticated as painting, ceramics, and other visual artforms. By incorporating light, form, and color in my work, I hope to inspire change and break down barriers in the art world. So far, I have had the pleasure of working with Amazon and recording artist UMI, and in 2021, I released my first coffee table book and custom card deck, entitled ‘A Note to Self,’ featuring photographs taken over a three year period. In 2019, I co-curated an all-women art show in LA with another emerging artist. Our intention was to create a space where women of color could showcase their work and have their voices heard. In August 2023, I showcased my first solo photography exhibition at The Michael O’Brien Gallery Phoenix in Indianapolis, IN. In 2024, I will be relocating to Los Angeles.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Having a team and mentors has been such a game-changer for me. I don’t always possess all the answers, and having someone you can shadow and learn from opens up a whole world of opportunities. My studio internship was a turning point in my career. I had the privilege of working alongside an exceptionally talented group of creatives. Working with and learning from them helped me level up my creativity. My techniques, skills, and overall creative knowledge have improved.
Having a team is essential for success in any career. They’ve got your back, and they often catch things you overlook. Plus, your team is kind of like a mirror reflecting you and your career. So, when you’re building a team, it’s crucial to have people who share your passion and are fully invested in your success. That’s where the magic happens.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The past couple of years have been pretty amazing for me in terms of connecting with people through my art. I’ve had so many people tell me, “Your art brings back such nostalgic vibes; it reminds me of a time when…” And following the success of my solo exhibition, I’ve even heard comments like, “I totally get this piece because it reminds me of something I’ve experienced myself.”
It’s not just my skills that have grown during these past few years; my art has become more personal too. It’s been such a blessing to see people connect with my work, to have them look at it and see themselves and their own stories reflected in it. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebekahgaillard.com
- Instagram: @bigdaddyhazel
Image Credits
Exhibition shot by Gerald Encarnacion Action shot, shot by Cody Jones Muses: Slim Cody Jones Ahmad Drake UMI Alexus Foreman Light Laleye
Headshot, shot by Ehren Adams