Meet Florencia Clement De Grandprey

We recently connected with Florencia Clement De Grandprey and have shared our conversation below.

Florencia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is like a muscle—developed through use. I’ve had many opportunities to exercise it, and each time, though different, it gets a little easier. I’ve fallen down 100 times and gotten back up 101.

Let me share a bit about my journey, as becoming an artist wasn’t always in my plan, though I’m incredibly grateful to be one now.

Let’s go back to 1996 when I saw an ad from British Airways seeking flight cadets. I was determined to become an airline pilot, even though my application was not successful. I decided to start by becoming cabin crew to get a taste of the aviation life. I joined British Airways and flew long-haul as a flight attendant for nearly three years, based in London Gatwick. During that time, I earned my single and multi-engine pilot licenses in my spare hours.

In November 1999, I made the bold decision to quit my job and enroll full-time as an aviation student at BAe Systems. As one of only five women in a school of over 100 male students, I faced rigorous ground and flight training. After 18 months of exhausting work and dedication, I proudly graduated with my airline commercial pilot’s license.

Shortly after, I achieved my dream by being hired by British Regional Airlines to fly the Jetstream 41. However, the events of 9/11 led to the loss of my job. Despite relentless applications for a year and a half, I never flew again. I was devastated, feeling as though all my efforts were in vain.

But I had to move on. I couldn’t let every plane flying by bring me to tears forever. I needed to reinvent myself and find another path. Fluent in five languages, I was hired by the export department of a large kitchen cabinet factory in southern Spain. Almost by chance, I began designing kitchens, teaching myself and an entire team a computer-assisted design program because I was the only one who could read the English instructions. Thus began my adventure in interior design.

After living nearly 11 years in the US and working in interior design, in 2014, I grew frustrated when in the last years I wasn’t the one designing anymore. I decided to quit my full-time job and pursue the passion I had set aside for a “real job”—painting. I finally embraced what truly made me feel alive and now I get to share my true gifts.

Looking back, I’m proud of everything I accomplished and lost. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be where I am now. The same drive that pushed me to become a pilot and the fire that kept me going when things didn’t work out still burn within me. I regret nothing. Each step has made me who I am and given me the power to shape my future. My message to you is that YOU HAVE THAT POWER, TOO. GO LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAMS! 💗

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My journey as a mixed media artist has been profoundly personal and transformative. My work features large format figurative paintings on unconventional backgrounds like fabric and rugs. I love incorporating the preexisting patterns of these materials into my images, creating a metaphor for life’s layers and complexities. This unique approach not only adds depth and texture to my pieces but also tells a story that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.

Throughout my artistic journey, my style has evolved, and I’m always excited to explore new materials. I initially started painting on canvas and integrated wallpaper and fabric samples to “dress” my subjects. Soon after, I discovered that I could paint directly on fabric, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. From there, working on area rugs was a natural progression, and I especially enjoy the unlimited patterns and sizes available.

Starting my full-time art career in late 2014 was a significant turning point. It wasn’t an easy path; there were numerous challenges along the way. From finding my unique voice in the art world to navigating the business aspects of being an artist, each step required perseverance and dedication. There were moments of self-doubt and financial uncertainty. However, my passion for art and the support of the Fort Lauderdale community and the help of social media kept me going. Participating in local exhibitions and events helped me build a network and gain visibility. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my artistic vision. I had to learn to trust that the universe has my back, and that my job is to keep painting and to put all my love into what I do.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity. Staying true to my artistic voice and vision has been crucial. Additionally, I believe there is great importance in “showing up” in the community and engaging with other artists and art enthusiasts. This has enriched my practice and opened up new opportunities.

I’m honored to have received recognition for my work, including being chosen to show in the United Arab Emirates in 2020 and 2021 and winning several international art contests such as ArtPrize 2021, where I was chosen Artista Latina, and ArtPrize 2022, where I won the Public Vote for 2-D and Artista Latina award. I’ve also had the pleasure of being commissioned to create a huge custom painting for All-star Miami Heat basketball player Bam Adebayo in 2023.

I want the world to know that my art is a celebration of our human experience and its many layers. Through my work, I aim to inspire, uplift, and provoke thought. My brand is built on the principles of creativity, resilience, and community engagement. Each piece I create is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of art to connect and transform.

I currently have two studios in South Florida: I’ve been an artist in residence for the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society since 2018 and have a studio on the 3rd floor of the History Fort Lauderdale Museum. My second studio is in the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center in Pompano Beach where I’m an artist in residence for their 2024-25 program. Both of my studios are open to the public and I welcome visitors by appointment.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been essential for me: resilience, adaptability, and authenticity. They’ve been my guiding stars.

1. Resilience: Resilience, to me, is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. I’ve had my fair share of falls, but each time I got back up, I found it a little easier. This ability to bounce back has kept me going through all the ups and downs. My advice? Embrace the challenges. They’re opportunities to start anew, to explore and develop new abilities or preexisting ones that had been set aside. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned, learn from those moments, and keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with people who lift you up—they’re your support system.

2. Adaptability: Adaptability and resilience go hand in hand. My career path has taken some wild turns, from aviation to interior design to becoming a full-time artist among others. Staying flexible and open to change has been crucial. My tip for developing adaptability? Stay curious and embrace new experiences. Don’t be afraid to pivot and try something different. Keep learning, listen, observe, and make adjustments according to new situations.

3. Authenticity: Being true to myself and my artistic vision has been my anchor. Authenticity means being genuine about who you are and what you stand for. It’s what helps us connect with others on a deeper level. My advice for nurturing authenticity? Take time to reflect on your values and passions. Stay true to them in everything you do. Engage with your community and share your journey—it not only enriches your practice but also opens up new opportunities and inspires others to also pursue their passions. The way I see it, it’s your duty to share your gifts. If you don’t, not only are you doing yourself a disservice, but you are depriving the world of them!

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Reflecting on my journey as an artist, one obstacle I’m currently facing is balancing my time and energy between creating new artwork and managing the business side of being an artist. The administrative tasks, marketing, and networking can sometimes overshadow the creative process, making it challenging to focus solely on my art.

To overcome this challenge, I’m working on developing better time management skills and setting clear boundaries for my creative time.

But, and even larger challenge for me is finding the right audience that resonates with my artwork and is willing to invest in it. It’s essential to connect with individuals who truly appreciate the unique style and message behind my creations. Since much of my original artwork is large-scale, it’s especially challenging to find buyers with the space for these large pieces.

To address this challenge, I’m focusing on a few key strategies:

Offer work with different price points: I create artwork at different price points so that there is something for everyone regardless of their budget or space. For example: I offer museum quality hand embellished paper prints and giclees in all sizes as well as original artwork.

Networking and Collaborations: I’m actively participating in art fairs, exhibitions, and local art events to meet new people and network with fellow artists, gallery owners, and art enthusiasts. These interactions not only help me learn more about the market but also provide opportunities to showcase my work to a broader audience.

Online Presence and Engagement: Maintaining a strong online presence is crucial. I’m investing time in creating engaging content for my website and social media platforms. This includes sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my creative process, stories behind each piece, and engaging with my audience through comments and messages. Building an authentic relationship with my followers helps foster a loyal community that values my work.

Custom Commissions and Personalized Art: Offering custom commissions and personalized art pieces allows me to creatine unique, one-of-a-kind pieces tailored to my collectors’ needs, decor and budget. This allows me to connect with them on a deeper level and build lasting relationships. I love working on commissioned pieces!

Quality gallery representation: I currently work with a couple of galleries, and I am searching for more galleries to increase my exposure and make it easier for art collectors and enthusiasts to discover and purchase my work.

By implementing these strategies, I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to connect with the right audience who appreciates and invests in my art. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m committed to finding and nurturing those valuable connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artbyflorencia.com
• Instagram: @artbyflorencia
• Facebook: Art by Florencia
• Linkedin: Art by Florencia

Image Credits

Graciela Laurent Photography
Eugenio Wilman Photography