Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Edwards.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born into a pretty large family with very energetic siblings. My siblings and I have been creating stories and designing our own worlds since we were children. Our home became our playground and we turned everything into an adventure. Sometimes the floor was a boiling pit of lava and others we were battling storm troopers on our living room floor. We even used the car as a reenactment once, which our parents found amusing. So, you see, since I was a child, I’ve been inventing worlds and going on wonderful experiences with my siblings.
In my junior year in high school, I attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Intensive Art Program over the summer. It opened up a whole new world for me to create a world of art. Ultimately, this discovery led me to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Throughout my undergraduate years at UNCG, I had two professors who just knew I was destined to be an artist and they encouraged me to work hard on my craft. My mother also always knew I was meant to be an artist. It’s interesting now that I look back over the years, I see that the need to create was always there in front of me. The moments I felt the most aligned was when I was painting or working in a studio space UNCG. I remember the moment that everything changed. It was November of 2019, at 4 in the morning and I was finishing up a painting project from my first painting course. I was standing about 8 feet from the painting, staring at it, when something in my spirit just clicked into place. I felt my entire life shift at that exact moment and I knew that I was on the right path. It turns out that I just needed a bit more instruction.
I am most proud of my dedication and goal-oriented work ethic during my time at UNCG. I’m dead set on making a goal a reality once I’ve made up my mind to do so. It took a lot of patience and hard work to get to where I am now, and I can thank my perseverance at UNCG for that. Currently, I am a graduate student at North Carolina State University’s Master of Art and Design Program. The program has assisted me in learning how to generate aesthetically captivating imagery through the digital landscape. I’m also surrounded by a broad group of industrious professionals who encourage me to think strategically, analytically, and efficiently. As a result of these experiences, I’ve grown in maturity, self-discipline, self-growth, and dedication, all of which will benefit me in the development of my professional artist career.
I love art because it is bold, powerful, and full of life. I discovered the Milan Art Institute, working with them has taken my art to new heights. They taught me how to turn my passion for the arts into a full-time career. They taught me that being an artist is a gift that everyone has the ability to tap into if they work hard for it. It is not something to fear, but to take pride in knowing that you have the ability to transform a blank page into something exceptional.
Through their teachings, I was able to create visually compelling works of art that had a strong dreamlike state. I expected to be transformed artistically but not mentally and spiritually too. What I didn’t realize was that getting to know who you are at your core is part of the process of discovering. Being an artist is the culmination of your life’s experiences and values. It taught me that I do have the ability to transform the way people see the world forever.
I love that I can turn a blank canvas into a visually engaging piece with just a few precise brushstrokes. As a young child, I was inspired to create worlds after seeing Justice League, Star Wars, Marvel movies, and other science fiction films. That’s why I’m known as the “World Builder.” These experiences help me create these breathtaking paintings that depict vibrant landscapes of untapped adventures just waiting to be discovered.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has been a beautiful and hard journey. I had my doubts about whether or not being an artist was the correct path for me at times. That emotion is undoubtedly familiar to quite a few people.
When you pursue your passion, you may begin to question your sanity a little. I remember when people would ask me what I was in college for and I’d reply “I’m an art student,” and they’d stare at me with a pitiful expression, so I’d quickly follow up with “I’m going to be one of those 3D artists, you know, from Pixar,” and they’d instantly relax.
But I didn’t.
Whenever someone’s reaction was not enthusiastic or happy about what I wanted to do with my life, I felt a deep feeling of unease. But that’s no way to live and in the long run, that wasn’t satisfying. What I needed to remember was that everyone has their own life journey, and mine just happened to be outside of the norm.
And that’s fine.
Creators, Artists, and Innovators are meant to feel a sense of joy and overpowering love for their creative medium. Once I came to grips with that, there was no more room in my heart for unease. Instead, I was overpowered with this intense need to create beautiful works of art that amazed me and took my breath away. Truly, I’ve never felt more at ease with myself and what I’m supposed to do in this lifetime.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My paintings enlighten people’s lives by depicting a journey through new lands in wondrous and imaginative ways. They allow me to use a range of brushstrokes and mark-making techniques to create an entirely new, inventive, and colorful realm. Gem and jewel colors are my favorite to paint with since they have such a rich hue and bring any canvas to life. I used to work with charcoal and graphite for a long time, and while these are lovely mediums, the depth of color gives vibrancy and liveliness to my work that wasn’t there before.
Describe what I do in a few words: Space is a recurring theme in my work, but not because of the nebulous clouds, planets, or stars, which are all intriguing. It’s about using the vastness of space as the backdrop for the fascinatingly intricate and vast worlds I create. It’s all about letting your imagination run wild and broadening your horizons via exploration and adventure. With each area I construct, I am able to express my own uniqueness and experience small moments of enlightenment. I’d like to inspire everyone to build their own adventures as a form of self-discovery and self-realization.
My mission is to encourage a new generation of world builders who are confident in their ability to shape their own destiny. I urge people to let go of their fear of the unknown and embrace the indescribable sense of wonder and adventure that comes with it. My paintings give me the freedom to change a scene in order to create a completely new world that is inventive and colorful. I’d like to push everyone to create their own adventures as a form of self-discovery and self-realization.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up? Eight years ago, I spent the summer at UNCSA’s Intensive Art Camp. It was the summer before senior year, and I hadn’t drawn or painted in years; in fact, I was considering pursuing a career as a pediatrician, I had already taken UNC-Chapel Hill’s HPREP program.
However, for some reason, I chose the four-week intense studio camp. Whatever the case may have been, it was well worth the investment. I’d never had so much fun or experienced so much artistic growth in my life.
It’s worth noting that I hadn’t taken a drawing or painting lesson in years, and yet there I was. I was surrounded by people who were highly skilled and had good hearts. We were all aiming to be the greatest versions of ourselves while encouraging one another.
I recall waking my mother up early so that I could get to my studio courses on time, and I would always remain late with the other artists to complete projects. In the studio, we’d listen to music and dance, give each other critiques and share words of encouragement. The energy in the studio was contagious and I loved every minute of it.
There are a few things from that month that I’ll never forget.
The satisfaction of being surrounded by other artists who are all working hard to realize their aspirations.
I can still smell the graphite.
I can still taste the oreo milkshakes.
Hear our laughter from bus trips to galleries.
One of my most treasured memories is from that time.
Now, at the lovely age of 24, I yearn for that experience all over again, but this time for it to last a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gabrielleedwards_art
- TikTok: @gabrielle_explorer
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