Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabrielle Howell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gabrielle , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Support from friends and family has played a huge role, as they provide encouragement and counter negative thoughts that I may have about myself or my artwork. I recall a valuable lesson from Brené Brown’s “Daring Greatly”, that involved creating a list of people whose opinions truly matter. I often refer to this list when concerns about others’ perceptions arise.
Moreover, I am actively boosting my self-esteem by embracing discomfort and refusing to let fear hinder my progress. Self-discipline is a key factor in this journey. Engaging in practices like meditation on truth and scripture serves as a reminder of who God has designed me to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I stumbled upon my love for drawing during my Community College years through casual doodling in notebooks. At the time, due to being unsure of its quality and lack of recognizable imagery, I considered myself a self-proclaimed artist… but only in secret. Over time, my art evolved into something abstract and beautiful, becoming a therapeutic outlet that brought me joy and a sense of peace.
Currently, getting my master’s in data analytics and working in this field, I realized that I was missing something. As I found myself questioning my career, I realized that I needed to explore activities that bring me happiness and joy outside of work. So, to add more fun to my life I transitioned from creating art for personal enjoyment to establishing an art business. My goal is to share my creations with others, hoping they can experience the same peace and joy that each piece brings me.
Looking ahead, my aspiration is not only to grow my art business, but also to extend its presence beyond social media—displaying my work in galleries, museums, and sharing it with a wider audience.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, treating every new day as an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain wisdom have been impactful in both my life and artistic development. Every day, I start with a prayer, to have an open heart to receiving these three elements, that are not only confined to relationships, education, or careers, but to self-discovery. I believe that confidence is gained through self-discovery and through that my artwork and business will continue to develop with me.
My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace the notion that learning, growing, and gaining wisdom encompasses more than just formal education. It involves delving into one’s own experiences and understanding. Wisdom isn’t solely derived from books or podcasts; it is also gained from engaging with people, listening to their stories, and asking questions. It requires the humility to seek help and the courage to admit when you don’t know something.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself overwhelmed, my go-to coping mechanism is drawing. While many suggest journaling and writing down feelings, I discovered that I have more relief from expressing myself through my artwork. There’s a satisfaction I get in being able to visually capture my emotions. I love revisiting older drawings or doodles because it allows me to reflect on specific moments and appreciate the details that encompass how I felt at the time. The beauty of this mechanism lies not only in my personal connection, but also in the fact that it becomes a piece of art that others can interpret in their own way. This approach works well for me, especially since my handwriting is at times…eligible.
My advice to others facing overwhelming situations is to not be swayed by conventional methods if they don’t resonate with you. While it’s valuable to be open to new ideas and learning, it’s equally important to stay true to yourself and choose what brings you peace and relaxation. Don’t hesitate to create your own path, there are many times where only you know what is best for your well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: gabriellehowellart.com
- Instagram: gabriellehowellart
