Meet Gabriela Valencia

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriela Valencia. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gabriela , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’ve learned to listen closely to my intuition and inner voice. Trusting that my gut feelings can guide me toward my true purpose has been instrumental in my journey. I make it a point to take notice of what truly resonates with me, as those are often the clues pointing me in the right direction.

I’ve found that setting meaningful goals that reflect my values and interests is crucial. Learning from the experiences and perspectives of others has been invaluable in gaining clarity on my own path. Remembering that finding purpose is often a journey of trial and error.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am Gabriela Valencia, a visual artist and violinist, deeply immersed in arts and culture advocacy. Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, I have called the Tampa Bay area home for the past 14 years. As the proprietor of Gabriela Valencia Studio and Gallery in St. Pete Beach, Florida, from 2013 to 2020, I provided a platform for artistic expression and community engagement. Currently, I channel my passion for the arts into teaching, offering instruction in art and music to elementary and middle school students.

In my artistic practice, I use mediums such as oil, pastels, acrylics, and mixed media techniques to create rich textures and explore the boundaries between the material and ethereal worlds. My style reflects imaginary realism and figurativism. I have been substantially influenced by my Latin-American origin, magical realism movement, surrealism and visionary art.

I immerse myself in thorough research, delving into subjects that ignite my curiosity and passion. Analogies, metaphors, and symbolisms become my tools. Each brushstroke and composition is a reflection of my innermost thoughts and emotions, translated onto the canvas with precision and care. My artwork has garnered recognition in private collections, galleries, and prestigious venues across Ecuador and Florida. My commissioned pieces grace the homes of art collectors in the USA, Canada, and Germany, as well as businesses throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

I am deeply involved in multidisciplinary artistic, educational, and cultural projects; collaborating with local and international collectives and nonprofit organizations, I champion music education, the arts, and community engagement. Currently, I am spearheading the development of a Cross-Cultural Well-Being Arts Program and Visual Arts & Music Workshops for Youth and Adult Immigrants in collaboration with NICERFL Organization and The Barbara S Ponce Library.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been driven by a creative force inside me that pushes and stretches the boundaries of my artistic expression in a search to improve my community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I reflect on my journey, the three qualities and skills that have been most impactful are:

1. Passion and Commitment to Art and Social Change: A profound dedication to both artistic practice and the use of art as a tool for activism.
2. Connection with Students: Building strong, meaningful relationships with students to understand their needs and inspire their growth.
3. Mastery of various artistic techniques/mediums and determine a teaching approach.

By integrating these qualities and skills, I was able to create a body of work that was both artistically significant and socially impactful.

In my opinion, for art teachers, visual artists, and art education advocates who are early in their journey, developing and improving artistic skills is crucial. Here are key aspects to focus on:

1. Engage in continuous learning
2. Dedicate time each week to practice and experiment with different mediums and techniques.
3. Keep a daily sketchbook to document ideas and practice drawing.
4. Join art communities.
5. Try new materials and techniques to discover new possibilities.
6. Stay inspired
7. Follow contemporary artists to stay informed about current trends.
8. Balance teaching and personal practice.
9. Build a network: Engage in collaborative art projects with other artists or educators.

By focusing on these aspects we can continuously develop our artistic skills, stay inspired, and effectively inspire our students.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always eager to collaborate with fellow artists, creatives, cultural agents, art curators, educators, arts organizations, and professionals in the humanitarian aid sector. I believe in the transformative power of art as an essential tool for education and societal change.

Ideal collaborators to develop art, cultural, or educational projects can be creative visionaries with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a commitment to education with a collaborative spirit; individuals who are community-oriented, aiming to make arts and culture accessible to all. Adaptable and open-minded, driven by passion and dedication with a genuine enthusiasm that inspires others.
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