Gabriela Valencia

Artist Statement

In her artistic practice, Gabriela employs a diverse range of mediums, including oil, pastels, acrylics, and mixed media techniques. Through meticulous exploration of textures, color schemes, shadows, and highlights, she strives to achieve a rich finish that enhances the overall creative process. Her style reflects symbolism, imaginary realism and figurativism; influenced by her Latin-American origin, the magical realism movement, surrealism, and visionary art.

Her creative process is characterized by an intuitive flow, followed by in-depth research into subjects that captivate her. Delving into analogies, metaphors, and symbolisms, she allows her style to embody a fusion of imaginary realism and a subconscious quest for connection with reality. Each brushstroke and composition is a reflection of her innermost thoughts and emotions, translated onto the canvas with precision and care.

Gabriela aims to touch the audience's awareness, developing a connection with the art piece, hopefully catalyzing from an abstract idea a call to action to bring about change in a more humane direction. Through her work, she aims to spotlight the gift of womanhood, weaving a visual narrative that celebrates resilience and echoes the profound beauty of the human spirit.

Biography

Gabriela Valencia is a visual artist and violinist, deeply immersed in arts and culture advocacy. Originally hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador, she has called the Tampa Bay area home for the past 15 years. As the proprietor of Gabriela Valencia Studio and Gallery in St. Pete Beach, Florida, from 2013 to 2020, she provided a platform for artistic expression and community engagement. Gabriela's artwork has garnered recognition in private collections, galleries, and prestigious venues across Ecuador and Florida. Her commissioned pieces grace the homes of art collectors in the USA, Canada, and Germany, as well as businesses throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Currently, Gabriela channels her passion for the arts into teaching, offering instruction in art and music to elementary and middle school students. Her innovative approach constantly seeks to elevate the arts to new heights for the betterment of society. Gabriela is deeply involved in multidisciplinary artistic, educational, and cultural projects. Collaborating with local and international collectives and nonprofit organizations, she champions music education, the arts, and community engagement. Currently, Gabriela is spearheading the development of a Cross-Cultural Well-Being Arts Program and Visual Arts & Music Workshops for Youth and Adult Immigrants.

Exhibition History (CV)