Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Pilar Pala
Hi Gabriel Pilar, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a child, I started like many artists, using crayons and copy paper to draw my family, friends, and my cat. I enjoyed experimenting with those plastic novelty art sets that included several mediums. My mother, a Peruvian singer, was the melodic backdrop as she rehearsed in her room, filling the air with song as I drew the day away.
As I grew older, I spent hours on the family computer. Attempting to draw with a mouse using programs like Picture It! and Microsoft Paint. When I finally got a Wacom Intuos tablet, I explored digital painting with the Japanese program Paint Tool Sai; while also experimenting with traditional mediums such as watercolor and Copic markers.
In high school, I joined the Brooklyn-based non-profit “Groundswell Community Mural Project,” where I spent many summer days painting murals. I also began building my portfolio for the School of Visual Arts (SVA). At SVA, I initially studied animation before shifting to Illustration. During this time, I transitioned from primarily digital work to embracing traditional mediums like oil and acrylic.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey to becoming an artist has had its fair share of challenges. Although I’m grateful to have grown up in New York City, the reality for first-generation, low-income families is far from the glittering image usually portrayed. As an adolescent, I struggled within the underfunded arts programs in NYC’s public education system. My mother was incredibly supportive of my pursuit of the arts, but I was self-taught and faced rejection from the specialized art high schools I dreamt of attending. Instead, I ended up at a vocational tech high school where the graphic design/art major felt secondary. The limited resources and administrative decisions to cut arts funding left many young creatives unmotivated. On top of it all, my mental health suffered due to family dynamics and socializing at school. Despite these environments, I worked tirelessly to gain admission to the School of Visual Arts (SVA) while being supported by teachers and loved ones. Financial assistance and my portfolio were essential in beginning and continuing my education at SVA.
I sought to become a 2D animator when I began studying at SVA. I was only partially accepted into my program, but once I got accepted entirely, the pandemic hit mid-way through the academic year. I then realized I was only interested in pursuing experimental animation rather than industry-based animation. This insight helped me understand why I felt so disconnected from my major; the initial choice wasn’t the right path for me.
When you pick your major initially, it can feel like a permanent decision, especially at a school that does not offer double majors. I took time off and considered my options between illustration or fine arts, asking myself, “What does it mean to be a fine artist or illustrator?”. It was all immensely challenging and overwhelming; I felt very defined as an artist with the major I chose. I took pages of notes comparing fine arts and illustration, seeking clarity from peers & professors. I later realized the difference was in the various career paths, not the visual aesthetics. I didn’t have a prior proper education in any of these industries; I felt so frustrated learning things that seemed so straightforward to others, especially while attending a prestigious college. This also developed a sort of art identity crisis when deciding to label myself as a specific type of artist. It matters so much for some career paths, but it felt like such a box for me. I asked myself, “Is my work too stylized to be in a gallery? Is my concept too vague or personal to an illustration art director?”. I settled for the Illustration major for my conceptual thinking and took numerous fine art electives to practice my traditional skills like anatomy & drawing.
In my experience with these majors, I noticed that some professors occasionally made snide comments about the opposing practice. This trait of the artistic community felt quite demotivating and unhelpful, especially as a student. It seemed rooted in traditionalism and demonstrated a small sample of how the art industry could be. I wish some professors knew how powerful their words are, especially given the student-teacher power imbalance. Additionally, I had to understand that a professor’s word is not gospel, that they only speak about their career experience. At the end of the day, I want to be respected as the artist I am and not feel cornered into a specific category.
Lastly, I continue to struggle with self-confidence in relation to my peers from college & what I see on social media. It is difficult to remember that social media is a highlight reel for all, including artists. They won’t share rejection letters or a loss in an art competition. I can’t help but compare myself to their successes, wondering, “Why didn’t I get my solo show yet? Is my work not enough? I won that art competition, but I lost five more.”
It is okay to fail in your art career; nobody wins all the time. My next post doesn’t have to be perfectly tailored, and my next work doesn’t have to shatter minds. Perfectionism and its embedded insecurity keep me from enjoying artmaking; negative self-talk does not serve me. Social media can inspire so much, but I must remind myself that I am just as successful. Success is relative as well; we as artists must celebrate all the wins that come our way and normalize the losses, too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I focus on depicting BIPOC individuals through my art, specializing in mixed media painting. I’m known for my bold, expressive, and colorful portraits that celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the BIPOC community. A key distinctive trait of my practice is incorporating unique materials—such as braces and pearls—onto my paintings. I’m particularly proud of my recent series, Mélange, which honors various fashion expressions within the BIPOC community. My ability to blend different materials & mediums into my paintings seamlessly sets me apart, creating a cohesive, dynamic, and fun visual experience.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Interestingly, I don’t listen to much art-related media because they tend to make me feel anxious and pressured to create immediately. Instead, I prefer video essays on obscure digital horror or virtual world games from the 2000s.
For music, I mostly enjoy Vocaloid, feminine rap, R&B, bossa nova, jazz, and video game soundtracks like those from Sonic the Hedgehog. These genres are upbeat and fun, and I’d like to believe that they influence my color choices and overall creativity in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabrielpilarpala.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gpp.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GPPArt/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gpp.art
Image Credits
Personal Photo by: Anthony Nazario
