Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Dobrzelewski.

Hi Gabrielle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Hello, my name is Gabrielle Dobrzelewski, and I’m a painter based out of Philadelphia, PA. I was born and raised in the Midwest, however I’ve lived on the East coast for several years.

When I encountered images of paintings in the first art book I’d ever received from my grandfather, I was immediately taken with visual art. Over the course of my youth, art had a consistent presence in my life, however I was uncertain if it was the path I ultimately wanted to pursue. As I reached my late teens I realized it was – I found myself always going back to making visual art despite everything. The impulse was and is inescapable.

However, the journey to becoming a painter myself wasn’t a clear path. Painting wasn’t something I naturally took to, drawing was my natural comfort zone for the longest time.

At this point in time, post art school, I’m beginning to better understand the mystical qualities of paint, and how the medium can lend itself to the message I aim to convey in each image.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I don’t think any creative path is clear cut – by following such a path you have to accept that you will inevitably come up against challenges, self doubt, and rejection. My path isn’t an exception to that.

It’s less about the obstacles and more about how you creatively problem solve when faced with them. With every obstacle comes a chance to grow and reflect on yourself and your practice. Each hurdle is an opportunity to practice letting go and trusting your intuition.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m an oil painter who focuses predominantly on the body. My direction is moving away from exploring color, and more towards exploring narrative. My interest centers around cataloguing South Philadelphia queer life in my work through painting my friends and focusing on experiences I’ve had within that community. I using traditional methods of painting to capture contemporary narratives while dipping my toe into art history and symbology.

What were you like growing up?

I was a reserved kid – I was more of an observer. Not so much someone who participated. I lived in my own world, and was content to stay there.
I liked consuming and producing creative media, that was the thing that primarily brought me joy.

Now as an adult I’m still someone who is very art centric and can be reserved, however I’m a great deal more social and enjoy getting to meet and know others. See inside of their worlds, and learn from them.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Gabrielle Dobrzelewski