Interview

Armed with a BBA in Design Marketing and a Minor in Visual Arts from New York's Parsons School of Design (1999), Gallardo seamlessly melds classical artistry with a contemporary vision. Her artistic journey is a captivating dance through diverse inspirations, culminating in pieces that transcend the confines of time and space. Her innate sense of color, composition, and boundless creative exploration imbue each creation with a singular core. For Gallardo, art embodies the divine essence of the present moment, captured in each stroke of her brush on canvas. Expressing her visions and messages across a myriad of materials; her preferred medium being acrylic. Drawing from a life steeped in art, enriched by continued studies, travels, nature, multicultural encounters, and the influence of artistic luminaries like Matisse, Frida, Helen Frankenthaler, and Frank Stella, her work showcases the culmination of years spent navigating the realms of art, design, spirituality, music, and fashion. Presently, her focus lies in a monumental endeavor - researching and crafting an expansive series of 30 large-scale paintings. This collection serves as a poignant call for awareness and reflection, shedding light on the Everglades and humanity's imperative role in safeguarding our planet. Each canvas encapsulates the micro and macro elements of the environment, from the intricacies of terrain cracks and landscape textures to the grandeur of water bodies and the interplay of light within this intricate ecosystem and how it reflects our own human ecosystem. Gallardo's artistic tapestry isn't confined to the canvas alone; her dynamic journey encompasses a successful and published career that started in the early 2000’s as a fashion designer. Her designs have graced the shelves of esteemed stores across continents, embraced by major retailers like Anthropologie, Bloomingdales, Henry Bendel, Peninsula Beverly Hills, and others, all under the banner of her fashion label, Laradiva. Celebrities from Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Britney Spears, and Kim Cattrall have sported her refined and unique designs and her creations have been featured in numerous media outlets like Vogue, E! News, The Style Network, InStyle Magazine, US Weekly, and WWD. Beyond her prowess in fashion, Gallardo's ventures have extended into acting at a young age for major TV commercials, entrepreneurship, graphic design, public relations, and home interior styling showcasing her multidimensional talents. She also carries the mantle of an Energetic Medicine Woman, traversing the realms of spirituality and healing. With a life narrative interwoven with threads of creativity, entrepreneurship, and spiritual exploration, Gallardo embodies a rare fusion of artistic evolution, business acumen and holistic expression.

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

“I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I started my art journey literally when I was a 3 years old painting all the walls, kitchen books, you name it. I was always involved in all art related activities in school, painting all the stage backdrops for our class presentations, was acting at a very young age. Upon graduation, I started art classes at a local University and then soon realized in 6 months that my soul yearned for more so I applied to Parsons School of Design in New York where I was accepted and then the rest is history.”

What inspires you?

“I find inspiration everywhere! Nature, travels, memories, through meditation, history, spirituality and all the elements around us.”

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

“My artistic journey is deeply influenced by the beauty and complexity of the natural and spiritual world. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and dynamic forms found in nature serve as a constant source of inspiration for my work. From the delicate petals of a flower to the vast expanse of the ocean, I strive to capture the essence and energy of these elements in my art. I am also inspired by the human experience and the emotions that connect us all. Through my artwork, I explore themes of joy, sorrow, hope, and resilience, aiming to create pieces that evoke a deep emotional response and foster a sense of connection and empathy. My paintings can be at times a spiritual portal to uplift. Travel and cultural exploration have significantly shaped my artistic vision as well. Experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and artistic traditions around the world has enriched my perspective and allowed me to incorporate diverse influences into my work. This blend of global inspiration and personal expression is at the heart of my creative process. Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create pieces that resonate with viewers, inviting them to see the world through a lens of wonder, beauty and appreciation. I believe that art has the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together, and I am passionate about contributing to that positive impact through my creations.”

How would you describe your work?

“Energetic modern abstractions.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Helen Frankenthaler, Mattisse, Mondrian, Rothko, Frida, Georgia O'keefe, Tamara de Lampica, Hilma af Klint, Agnes Pelton, Zaha Hadid, and the list is long!”

“My artistic journey is deeply influenced by the beauty and complexity of the natural and spiritual world.”

What is your creative process like?

“Interesting question. Never thought about my process because images just come to me and I kind of download them onto the canvas. And once I start painting one, a bunch of other ideas start popping up and I put them into my sketchbook and then it is like a rollercoaster avalanche of ideas taking life onto the canvases. Meditation does play a crucial part in this process. It is like the secret ingredient. I am like a conduit.”

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

“Artists have always played a crucial role in society by serving as observers, commentators, and visionaries. Through their unique perspectives and creative expressions, they capture the essence of the human experience, challenge societal norms, and inspire change. The role of an artist goes beyond mere creation; it involves connecting with audiences on an emotional level, sparking dialogue, brining beauty and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us. Artists are like custodians of culture and history, preserving the stories and values of their time through various mediums. In contemporary society, artists continue to play a multifaceted role. We address things that are happening in our world, raising awareness. In my case it would be promoting well being by bringing beauty and spirituality in this modern chaos were people have lost so much of themselves with social media. Artists are innovators. I aim to create art that not only reflects the present but also envisions a better future while advocating for environmental stewardship. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity while making a positive impact on society. And with an open heart evolve with time and have my art be a conduit of beauty. For me art is a universal language that has no bounds.”