Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Dobrzelewski

Hi Gabrielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

When I first encountered images of paintings in the art book my grandfather gave me, I was immediately in love. However the journey to becoming a painter myself wasn’t a clear path always. Painting wasn’t something I naturally took to. It’s something I’ve had to fight my way into. I feel like now I’m beginning to understand some of the strange, mystical qualities of paint that only time and experience can gift you. With that said, I still feel I have much much farther to go when it comes to truly understanding how oil paint operates.

I had always felt a security and comfortability in drawing, however I had reached a point when I was about to enter art school where I could sense my dissatisfaction with the medium. I opted to major in painting despite having nearly never touched paint.

At the time, the decision was fueled by a deep rooted anxiety – trying and prevent a safety induced creative stagnation. Plus, all the work I admired was painting. There was something mystical about it, and the thought of being able to somehow participate in that for myself was deeply appealing.

When I think about painting I think about how it is a kind of magic. Being able to take mundane tools such as fabric and pigment and turn it into a thing of meaning is a magical act. The luminosity of color, the texture of paint, the way paint can become flesh, a blob of white can become a collar of a shirt, is magic in my opinion. To be an artist is to be a magician, an alchemist.

I feel like the images that lay latent within me can ultimately only be expressed in paint. And so now I paint.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

I think any kind of creative endeavor demands a high degree of self actualization, and that is never a clear cut path. Finding your voice, keeping things exciting, trying to strike a balance between being alone and being with others.

When I was in the first few years of learning how to paint my biggest initial issue was giving away control to the medium. I wanted to make my paintings drawings. But that was a problem. They aren’t drawings. They’re paintings. It’s only been for a year or so now that I feel like I’m finally beginning to get that.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

First and foremost I consider myself a painter. Second to that, a teacher.

As cliche as it is, the teaching makes me a better artist. The demand of being able to clearly articulate how to create an image, an ultimately wordless act, that the role of educator puts on one has made me think more in depth about my own work. Why I do what I do.

I love making figurative art and I love teaching figurative art. Something, deep within the core of my being is pulled towards images of the body, and I take great joy in being able to make and help others make work about something I feel so passionate towards.

In regards to what I’m most proud of – I think I take pride in having the life that I do, overall – being able to do what I love every day, with people I love, and getting to share my excitement and exchange creative energy with others is something I am proud of fostering.

What matters most to you?

Love and painting. Both allow you to see and be seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabrielledart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielled_art/