Interview

Oct 16

Gia Sabatini

Gia started her artistic journey in 2018, with the desire to create art that she attained soon, which soon became an unyielding obligation to herself to explore the inner mechanism of her creative consciousness. She employs a variety of materials in her work. To add textures and layers, she uses molding paste, recycled tire shreds, or coffee grounds. And for paints, she uses acrylics, watercolors, and alcohol inks. She particularly likes the way watercolors and acrylics interact with each other. With each having their own strong personalities, they create discourse when brought together. The juxtaposition of the harsh thick acrylic with the soft thin watercolors and fluid light alcohol ink tell a story throughout her work.

Her artwork comes from something inside of her, whether it is an internal conversation, or an emotion for which she cannot find words. The paint lets her get it out and confront it. She goes into every blank canvas with a beginning thought or emotion. As her work evolves, she has learned to expect and appreciate the uncertainty of each texture, color, or brush stroke. She allows the colors and textures to guide her, allowing for organic and intuitive works to emerge. She uses painting as a way to reflect what she sees and feel at a given time, in the rawest form. Most days you can find her in the studio with her daughters, who are a constant source of motivation and inspiration

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I have always been involved in art in some way. I started as an art education major. I ended up tattooing and doing lettering for special events and signage. I have a degree in graphic design. I started to become more serious about my art in 2019, after the passing of my older sister Dianne Bowen. I got the courage to apply for a local show and was accepted. I got representation form Agora Gallery in Chelsea, NYC and have been with them for 4 years. I have also retained representation with Van Gogh Art Gallery in Madrid, Spain.”

What inspires you?

“I am inspired by music, emotions and nature. I find that listening to music helps me escape reality and just create. Nature is always inspiring me - colors and seasons - I love the sky and stars. I find my emotions usually come out in the work as well. I am beginning to be drawn to the human figure and want to explore more of the abstract realism in the near future.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“Themes that flow through my work, I guess, are emotion a vivid exploration of human emotions and experiences. I started with a more morbid and uncomfortable themes in my early work - this steamed from the loss I felt for my sister.”

“I am inspired by music, emotions and nature. I find that listening to music helps me escape reality and just create.”

How would you describe your work?

“I describe my work as mixed media working with textures to evoke an experience. I strive to take these complex mental landscapes and place them on the tangible plane of paper or canvas”

Which artists influence you most?

“I am influenced by many artists. It is hard to choose. Some artists that have influenced me are: Dianne Bowen, Louise Bourgeios, Agnes Martin and Rebecca Stenn. I just discovered Tanya Gomelskaya on Instagram there are many more- I think the artist community is a constant influence.”

What is your creative process like?

“I go into the studio and play music. I start by deciding on either canvas or paper- I usually go in with an idea in mind. I start with the first layers and slowly build up. Sometimes, what I thought I was going to do changes completely, once I start painting. I will layer textures through the layers, building up the texture as well as the colors. I will work on a few pieces at the same time so I always have something to work on. If I am using a photo reference, I will play with that on my iPad first to get the outline or rough draft out.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“As an artist, we are the ones to break the social norms. I think art is important for social growth'; art can help heal and art can move mountains. Society needs artists - we are the ones that help people understand what is happening and help people have an outlet for the social dramas. I don't think this will change. I hope it will continue to build and become more important. There are some things that have come out that I think will stifle some of the artists- AI being one of them my hope is the original art stays a concept that we need.”