Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Mallory.
Gail, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Briefly…I was born and raised in Indiana. An only child and now single mom. I created my first work of art at the tender age of 6 for a competition at the Children’s Museum; it was a tropical fish in watercolor on craft paper. My mother encouraged and introduced me to sewing and fashion. As a young girl I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but at the time my mother didn’t think it would be a practical career option. I gradually turned my interest to drawing and painting during high school. Fast-forward to undergrad I enrolled in computer courses and soon became interested in graphic design and multimedia. Currently I work as an Executive IT Technician and in the evening, I am an Entrepreneur.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My first pieces on canvas were created early in 2001, this was the year I cut my hair off for the first time. This style is called the Big Chop! At that time women with short natural styles were not viewed as beautiful and I struggled with my appearance for a few months. I decided to photograph my profile and afterward I said “I want to be viewed as beautiful black woman”. So, I drew my profile on paper and colored it in with colored pencils. I decided to make my first piece of artwork and it included 5 other profiles with different hairstyles and different color faces. I was no longer alone, or ashamed I created something beautiful.
I began to sample with geometric shapes to change the style and depths of the images I painted. I find creating these pieces was very therapeutic for me and still is today. In 2016 I had some embroidery thread in my craft box, I wondered how would this look if I used the thread to create my designs. So, I drew the image on a 24 x 36 and carefully began using adhesive to place the thread on the canvas. After I completed one mask, I was in awe of the texture and beauty. I believe that when someone hears my story they will connect with the images.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Creative/Artistic paths can be a struggle; however, I believe that with a little ingenuity finding ways to create on a budget is “CREATIVE”. As a creative, focusing can be an issue in general whether it be finances or personal. I would suggest maintaining a creative journal of which I have (3). In the journal you can work on future projects, working ideas and even creative ways to fund your artistic journey. Join area art meet-up groups, volunteer with local colleges and art museums, Once I immersed myself in the community the networking increased my visibility and I began to sell my artwork consistently.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Currently my work is displayed on my Instagram @gailpdesigns and also on my website gailpdesigns.com. Hopefully they will be selected for future exhibitions locally and nationally. Please support my work by purchasing prints or custom artwork from my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gailpdesigns.com
- Email: gpmdesigns@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gailpdesigns/
Image Credit:
Photograph of me – Gailpdesigns (me)
Photographs of artwork – Gailpdesigns (me)
Custom Artwork – Gailpdesigns
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
