About the Artist
My name is Gabby, and I am an artist based in Perth, Western Australia. My artwork predominantly celebrates the unique beauty, temperament, and talents of animals. Recently, I have expanded my portfolio to include human portraits, aiming to capture the same uniqueness and beauty inherent in human nature. My artistic philosophy revolves around capturing the essence of my subjects and highlighting the extraordinary qualities that make them unique.
Throughout my artistic journey, I have experimented with various mediums, including colour pencils, acrylic paint pens, acrylic paints, and oil paints on different surfaces. This experimentation has allowed me to explore diverse techniques and styles, each contributing to the distinctive qualities of my artwork.
From an early age, I struggled with reading, which led me to find solace in drawing and painting. My passion for art has been a constant presence in my life. Although I initially pursued a year of Art at university, I found the structured learning environment restrictive and decided to switch my degree to accounting. I thoroughly enjoyed my accounting studies and career, perhaps due to the attraction of numbers and designs, which made the transition from art easier.
Nine years later, while living abroad in the Netherlands with my husband and traveling regularly to Florence, Italy, I rekindled my passion for art. Florence, with its rich artistic heritage, played a significant role in my artistic journey. Visiting iconic sites such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, where I admired masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli, was transformative. The city's artistic atmosphere and the opportunity to witness such incredible works firsthand reignited my desire to create and express myself through art.
Currently, I have two daughters and work part-time as an accountant. Despite my busy schedule, I always find time to draw and paint, as art has always been an integral part of my life. During the nine-year hiatus from art, I felt a void that only drawing and painting could fill. The joy and fulfillment I experience when creating art are indescribable. My drawing table and easel are my sanctuaries, where I unwind, meditate, and relax from the chaos of daily life. In 2021, while on maternity leave, I decided to elevate my art to the next level, driven by an irresistible desire to pursue my passion.
Animals and people have always been my inspiration. Growing up surrounded by pets and spending time on my grandparents' farm, I developed a deep connection with animals. A pivotal moment in my artistic journey was a safari trip to Africa at the age of 16, where I observed majestic wildlife up close. This experience left a lasting impression and inspired me to capture the essence of these animals through my drawings. The recognition of my artistic abilities by the local staff at the safari camp was profoundly validating.
My art celebrates the extraordinary traits and personalities of animals, highlighting their similarities and differences with humans. Similarly, my work with human subjects aims to capture and celebrate their unique personalities and qualities. I hope my work inspires viewers and serves as a window into the soul of my subjects, allowing them to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness that I strive to capture in each piece.