Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Gilson.
Hi Andrea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From a young child, I liked to study my perception of past experiences. From becoming a professional flamenco dancer, to earning a master’s degree in human movement, and eventually entering the art business world; I’ve utilized my methods of self-expression to invoke excitement in others to explore their realities. While completing my Master of Science in Kinesiology – Biomechanics from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, I used painting as a therapeutic exercise and learned the power of daily practice. Involving myself as a digital creator and creative director alongside the completion of my thesis in plantar health made me realize that I couldn’t pick science over art and vice versa. I needed both to be happy. During my collegiate and post-grad years, I learned to manage the complete design process from a researched perspective and yearned to practice both science and art simultaneously.
Upon graduating, I moved back to the Houston area to begin a long-awaited project with my woodworking grandfather in 2018. Before his passing, they built a pet portrait business which began as My Dog Chipi. Now called Arte de Ea, I’ve expanded the brand into acrylic paintings, murals, digital storytelling, lucite jewelry design, dance workshops, and live online philanthropy events. I’ve had the honor of exhibiting artworks throughout Texas, danced around the world, presented research at conferences across the U.S., and plan to continue to give back to the community that helped me emerge as an artist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If my path to becoming had been smooth, I wouldn’t have learned the valuable lessons and hard work it takes to becoming an entrepreneur. Some of the hurdles I had to face were jumping into outdoor commercial murals and contract writing. The business side of art can seem intimidating but you’d be surprised how much your peers are willing to help if you’re willing to ask.
On the nontechnical hurdles, I’d say the passing of my Grandpa took a toll on my daily practice. I’ve always used art as a therapeutic outlet but losing someone so close was a new feeling I wasn’t ready to express in any of my work. Thankfully, I have a close knit, supportive family who is always eager to contribute to my projects. It is important to be reminded of why I started this journey in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My business, Arte de Ea, is an art brand inspired by the vibrant Venezuelan nature while encapsulating gratitude towards new experiences in Texas. I am most known for my use of bright and saturated colors in my work and daily life.
During my years at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, I created original works inspired by my years as a graduate student. These special pieces are some that I envisioned to bring vibrancy to anyone that viewed them. These works are inspired by native plants, animals, and bright colors that represent my close knit relationships with people in the university and community.
Soon after I began working on personal commissions while maintaining a daily creative practice, I became more eager to paint big. I was chosen for a mural project to commemorate the infamous Live Oak trees for Bellagreen on Earth Day where the downtown Houston community was invited to participate in the final touches. Additionally, I strategically planned and produced vibrant signage murals for Houston ChopShop restaurants. Creating art in these spaces has allowed me to bring people together to ignite change, spread positivity, and ultimately inspire others to pursue their passions.
Being a multidisciplinary artist has led me to specializing in bringing concepts to fruition that resonate with my clients and their audiences. Whether that be in a commercial setting, residential project, painting commissions, laser cut designs, or dancing workshops. Both the researching and creating get me equally excited.
By utilizing my art as a means of therapeutic exercise, I’ve influenced my community to peruse their creativity and see where it takes them. I know how to manage and execute the complete design process from a researched perspective and yearn to celebrate diversity, community, and self-expression.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am a pen and paper kind of person! I know there are amazing tools online but I thrive from organizing on a physical surface.
Creating an online portfolio, professional website/shop, and running all of my social media wouldn’t be possible without the lovely youtube. It takes some sifting. But, if you want to learn more about something, there are a plethora of businesses paving the way with resources. Adobe Illustrator, the Glowforge (laser cutting) community, and my dear friend and fellow creator, Gaby Arria, have been a great source of support for me. Additionally, taking the time to actually connect and make meaningful relationships through social media has guided me to the most amazing clients. For in person events, I highly recommend Texas Artisan Markets. The owner, Christina Terry, is an enthusiastic leader who provides the ultimate showcase to the surrounding local communities that crave artistic talent.
Lastly, is my group of close friends and my life coach. I won’t name them all. But, I will say they are very driven people from all walks of life. Any time I need inspiration or advice they welcome me with open arms. For that, I am most grateful.
Contact Info:
- Email: artdeandrea@gmail.com
- Website: www.artedeea.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/artede.ea?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/artedeea/
Image Credits
Arte de Ea
