Issue 3 Artist Spotlight | Gabriella Giaconia
C+B: Tell us about yourself, Gabriella!
GG: I teach elementary art in NYC. When I'm not teaching I like to make my own art, visit galleries and exhibits around NYC, spend time with family and friends, explore new restaurants/spots around Brooklyn, and in the summer, spend lots of time at the beach. I am inspired by nature- namely the sky and the sea, the people around me, NYC, and the female figure. My favorite part of my day is my morning routine, especially Morning Pages- the concept from "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron that changed my life!
C+B: How has your relationship with your work changed since you first started creating?
GG: I think for way too long I cared so much about how my work was going to be perceived and I spent so much time comparing my work to others, that it inhibited me. I was scared to show my work and even create. That feeling is always a work in progress, but now I view myself in the relationship to my work as a co-creator. Sometimes I go into making something with a solid idea and plan and sometimes I just start playing with colors and materials and see where it goes. It's sort of taken a pressure off. Also, "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert really helped me in having more confidence in my work.
C+B: Share some details about your process for creating.
GG: Recently I have really come to realize how important creative routines and rituals are. I have a small apartment space, so sometimes I work at my desk and sometimes painting on the floor with all my materials surrounding me feels good. Lighting candles, putting on music or a podcast, setting out materials all have really helped me get in the mindset to create. I like creating in the morning or evening because it feels most serene.
C+B: What is the one accomplishment you most hope to achieve in your creative career?
GG: A solo gallery show
Find and support Gabriella here:
IG: @gabbygiaconia
(Exist, 11" x 14", mixed media, ©Gabriella Giaconia)
If my work was a meal it would be: A buffet- because I like to try a little of everything!
I would love to be able to share my work with: I think Julia Cameron because her book had such a profound impact on my creative journey. I am so grateful she wrote "The Artist's Way" and I think every person should read it!
If I were to work in another medium or subject matter, I would choose: Portraiture was always a genre that intrigued me but I never really explored. I was always in awe of my classmates who did portraiture so beautifully. Even now that I have gotten back into figure drawing recently, I still find myself shying away from drawing or painting the face of the model. I think the pressure to capture the likeness of a person is intimidating!
My hope for those viewing my work: I hope that my work can be a reminder for people that there is beauty everywhere- within us and all around us, and that sometimes we might have to dig a little deeper, but it's always there. And I hope that it intrigues people to explore their own creativity, even (especially) if they don't deem themselves an "artist"!
