Gabriele Gracine
What was the moment or event in 2015 that triggered your interest in digital art after believing for so long that you lacked artistic talent? How did this realization transform your perspective on creativity and your own capabilities?
In 2015 my life changed in ways I never could have imagined. A simple twist of fate manifested my birth as an artist. I had taken a scenic photo with my phone, there was a sign in the frame that I wanted to remove. I used the 'crop' feature in the editing tools and successfully removed the sign. I briefly glanced at the other symbols and, wondering what they meant, randomly tried a few. Intrigued by the results, I surmised I was being presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity I could chose to ignore or explore. In retrospect there were many aspects of my life indicating artistic sensibilities and attempts to unleash and appease my frustrated inner artist such as my enthusiastic penchant for color coding. My creative abilities had been hidden in plain sight. With the small unintentional step I'd taken the pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit together. What had been obscure became obvious. I excitedly embarked on my path to discover my creative voice.
Teaching oneself any art form can be incredibly challenging. Can you describe some of the most significant obstacles you faced while learning digital art independently, and how did you overcome them?
Initially I was aware that my weakness was I had everything to learn and my strength was I had nothing to unlearn. I was led by the combination of these two simple truths. Having no expectations was extremely beneficial. I viewed the learning process as a series of advancements. In my mind there were no setbacks or obstacles, only improvements. I was determined and committed, knowing that unlimited patience and dogged persistence were what I needed to begin building a foundation. That was the inception point. As I slowly became more proficient I learned to trust myself and the magic of a new beginning. Positive mindsets were crucial fundamentals in maintaining openness and embracing exploration. I celebrated small victories and learned from stumbling blocks without discouragement. I'd found my passion.
You’ve described your artistic process as one where "my images create themselves using me as the medium." Could you elaborate on this process? How do you begin a piece, and how do you know when it is complete?
I'm an intuitive artist, creating spontaneously without plans or expectations. I focus on my emotional energy and allow ideas to flow naturally and freely, concentrating on the process instead of the outcome. Being led by my inner muse and trusting my intuition over logical thinking results in unique and unexpected results. I begin artistic explorations with anticipation and enthusiasm, following shapes, patterns, colors, light, shadow and texture as they emerge. My images slowly evolve into themselves. I determine if an image has been fully expressed by assessing the creative process I just experienced with the image displayed.
How have your surroundings in Colorado and experiences in New Mexico influenced your artistic style and thematic choices? Can you provide examples of how specific locations have directly inspired any of your artworks?
As a empathic person, I experience heightened sensitivity to my environment and the emotional and physical energy of other beings. I'm deeply influenced by my surroundings. Spending time in tranquil settings fosters a sense of calm that impacts and facilitates emotional receptivity, deeper introspection and a clear mind, all crucial to my creativity. Spending time in New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment" rejuvenates all aspects of my being. The rich cultural heritage and vast, breathtaking landscapes are beneficial catalysts serving as majestic internal backdrops for my artistry to flourish.
Your work aims to articulate the "emotional energy that lies just beneath the surface." Could you discuss how you translate these intangible emotions into the visual language of your art? Are there recurring symbols or themes that you find yourself drawn to?
I use multiple techniques to imbue emotion into my images. Harnessing the limitless potential of the digital medium provides me with the tools to manipulate pixels in ways that reflect my rich inner worlds. I randomly experiment, emphasizing precision and fluidity to craft emotionally charged artwork. Using contrast and depth, arranging shapes, lines, patterns and textures in a variety of compositions provides me with infinite possibilities to communicate on visceral levels. I refrain from using reoccurring themes or symbols, retaining versatility ensures my artwork remains dynamic, innovative, engaging and is representative of my efforts to express my creativity.
What do you hope viewers take away from your art? How do you craft your pieces to engage the viewer's wonder and imagination, and have there been any memorable reactions to your work that you can share?
I hope to surpass mere visual appreciation and leave a powerful lasting impression. I strive to connect with the viewer, evoke emotions, provoke thought and introspection while fostering a moving experience and creating a memorable impact. I seek to challenge perceptions of reality and encourage others to see the world through a different lens. My artwork elicits diverse reactions and a broad spectrum of individual interpretations. People are captivated by the novelty and unpredictability and fascinated by the seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and creativity. Viewers express wonder and curiosity regarding the methods and techniques I use to craft my images.
Starting a new career in the arts at a later stage in life is quite rare and inspiring. How has your maturity influenced your artistic journey and your acceptance within the art community?
Throughout my life I had been developing the disciplines I needed to set realistic goals and persistently work toward them. I was self-aware and confident in my ability to learn. My intrinsic motivation played a crucial role. Pursuing digital art stemmed from a genuine passion and long-held desire to express my creativity. The combination of life experience, discipline, critical thinking, resilience and motivation contributed to a strong foundation for learning my craft. I've been fortunate to have met and been enthusiastically welcomed by enormously talented people in the artistic community. I had a wealth of experience to draw upon whenever I faced challenges along with a profusion of role models and mentors. It's been a profound experience characterized by a sense of belonging beyond social interaction. I found my tribe.
Digital art is a medium that is constantly evolving with technology. How do you stay updated with new tools and techniques, and how have changes in technology influenced your artwork over the years?
The digital medium transcends the boundaries of traditional art providing endless possibilities for self-expression. The vast, rich, complex and diverse tools make it an impossibility to remain updated on the enormous quantity of techniques and resources available. The only limitation is the artist's imagination. The proprietary process I use hasn't been significantly affected or influenced by technological changes. My ability to channel, harness and interpret the power of my artistic force is the pillar of my creativity.
Having received several accolades and your work featured in numerous exhibitions, how do you reflect on your success? Do awards and public recognition influence your approach to your art?
When I look at the vibrant tapestry of pixels that have become my signature style, I can't help but marvel at the journey that brought me to this point. Achieving validation through recognition was never a destination but the result of perservering through a series of lessons, triumphs and challenges. Once a foreign landscape, the digital medium has become an extension of my existence, my playground and my sanctuary. Receiving acknowledgement among the field of my peers has been profoundly honoring and fulfilling, an astonishing and unexpected confirmation of my evolution. My desire and resolve to avidly explore, experiment and expand my artistry is limitless.
What are your future goals and aspirations as an artist? Are there new techniques, themes, or projects you are eager to explore in the coming years?
My objectives are to continue learning, refine and enhance my skills, master new tools and techniques, investigate emerging technologies to diversify my style, explore new dimensions and push the limits of my creativity. Delving into advanced areas with more specialized software is also an interest. Currently I'm experimenting with incorporating areas of movement in my images to bring them to life. I continuing to delight in bringing the power of beauty to the world.