Meet Ilan Gutin

We were lucky to catch up with Ilan Gutin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ilan, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping my creativity alive is all about staying curious and open to trying new things. With my background in art, I’ve always been drawn to exploring different ideas and pushing myself to think outside the box. Whether it’s diving into a new project or finding a fresh way to solve a problem, I like to challenge myself—it keeps things exciting and keeps me growing.

I also stay involved in a mix of creative endeavors, both as an artist and a curator. I love bouncing between the two because they feed into each other so naturally. Working with other artists and helping bring their visions to life often sparks ideas for my own work, and vice versa. It’s like this ongoing cycle of inspiration that keeps me engaged.

Outside of art, I think hobbies play a huge role in keeping my mind sharp. For me, it’s hiking, climbing, skiing, anything that gets me moving and out in nature. Those activities give me a mental reset, and help me clear my head and think about new ideas. I also love to bake, it’s incredibly soothing and detail oriented, which I love.

At the end of the day, it’s just about staying curious, challenging myself, and making space for things that keep me energized and inspired.

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

I currently wear a couple of creative hats that keep me busy. My main role is as the Curator and Engagement Director at PlatteForum, a nonprofit arts organization in Denver. PlatteForum focuses on supporting socially engaged artists and empowering youth through art, which makes every day incredibly fulfilling. I get to curate our artist residency program, working closely with amazing creatives from all over, while also handling communications, press, and outreach and events. It’s a role that lets me combine my passion for art with community building, which is something I find really exciting and meaningful.

Recently, I also became a Co-Director of Friend of a Friend, a gallery space here in Denver. This new role has been such a rewarding challenge—it’s a space where I can collaborate with other artists and curators to showcase work that feels fresh and impactful. It’s a dream to help shape a space that supports emerging and established artists while fostering a creative dialogue in the local art scene.

What I love most about both of these roles is that I get to spend my time around artists and creative people. Whether it’s brainstorming with a resident artist, curating an exhibition, or just being immersed in the energy of the art community. Every day feels different, and I thrive in environments of creativity and collaboration.

As for what’s new, we have some exciting projects on the horizon at PlatteForum – We are getting ready to review our next round of Resident Artist Applicants, so I’m really excited to see the range of work and artists this year. At Friend of a Friend, we’re in the middle of planning some exciting exhibitions and events for the coming year, so stay tuned for those! In my own practice, I’m in a show at the Arvada Center called Art of the State, which is a juried show of Colorado artists. I’m really honored that I got to be included in the show with so many other amazing artists.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are curiosity, determination, and creativity.

Curiosity has always driven me to explore, learn, and ask questions. Whether it’s diving into a new art form, working with artists, or figuring out how to curate an exhibition – Staying curious keeps things exciting and helps me grow.

Determination has been key in pushing through challenges. The creative field can be tough, whether it’s finding your footing, navigating unexpected setbacks, or just staying motivated. Determination has helped me keep going, even when it wasn’t clear where I was going.

And, of course, creativity is at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just about making art but also about finding fresh solutions, seeing things from new perspectives, and being open to experimentation. Creativity keeps the work dynamic and keeps me energized.

For anyone early in their journey, my best advice is to focus on doing what you love. If you’re truly passionate about something, the effort feels worth it, and the rest tends to follow. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, try new things, and take risks—curiosity and creativity thrive when you step outside of your comfort zone.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was encourage me to pursue a degree in art, even when I wasn’t sure it was the right choice for me. Honestly, I didn’t want to be an art major at first. I wasn’t into drawing, and the intro drawing courses didn’t excite me. I was leaning more toward English and creative writing because that felt like a safer space for me creatively.

But my parents really pushed me to give art a chance. They might have been the first parents ever to say, “You should go for an art degree!”—which is kind of funny when you think about it. I’m so grateful they did, though, because I can’t imagine my life without art being such a huge part of it.

Their belief in me helped me see that art wasn’t just about drawing; it was about expressing myself, thinking creatively, and exploring new ways of seeing the world. That encouragement set me on a path where I’ve not only built a career I love but also found a deep sense of purpose and joy with it. I’ll always appreciate that they saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ilangutin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorilan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilan-gutin-951538b6/