Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Hart.
Gabriella, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I didn’t have the most polished childhood, and everything about it made me the creator that I am today. Visual art and acting have been core elements in keeping my sanity for as long as I can remember. My mother immigrated to the US from Ethiopia and was granted political asylum before I was born. My father is a Navy vet, and one of the most naturally funny people I know. Both of my parents suffer from mental illness. Growing up as an only child being raised by two people trying to overcome trauma and suffering through the tragedy of mental illness gave me a unique perspective on life. I am strong-willed, intuitive and deeply empathetic. The system is broken, and I believe that everyone should have compassion for the issues that affect the most vulnerable members of society. After graduating with my master’s degree, I had plans to move to Los Angeles but stayed back home in Kansas City, Missouri to move in and help take care of my precious grandmother while she was on hospice. She raised us all with endless love and patience, and she was so supportive of my dreams and ambitions. As her last wish while she was on hospice, she came to the play that I was a lead in at KC Melting Pot Theatre, the premier African American theatre company in Kansas City.
She sat right up front in her wheelchair, bright-eyed and engaged the entire show. It was a moment I will never forget. My grandma passed away a few months later at 97 years old. Spending that time with her was the greatest honor of my life. We laid her to rest in November 2018, and I moved to Los Angeles the following month to pursue my dreams to create and try to make a difference in the world with my gifts and talents.
Has it been a smooth road?
You know the analogy, “pressure makes diamonds?” Well, that’s where I’m at at this point. I’ve encountered and so many obstacles and so much pressure, but God has really brought the most amazing people and opportunities into my life since I’ve moved to Los Angeles. The obstacles teach me so much about myself, and the pressure makes me stronger… but I have family here and so many genuine friends that have prayed with me and uplifted me in my lowest moments. I am blessed, and I hope to always be able to express the deep gratitude at every turn. I have some great energy all around me. I’m really blessed.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Well, I am producing my first short film, Free Ride, a transportation app thriller. I have an incredible team on this project with all women of color at the helm. Each and every one of them blows me away with not only their credentials- but their drive, ambition and talent, collectively has been just amazing. Free Ride has lots of suspense. It’s thrilling, but also offers commentary on the experience and vulnerabilities of women in this modern landscape. I’m very proud of this project and can’t wait to bring it to life and share it with the world.
As for visual art, I have been doing commissions, but now I am working on a series of paintings- some realistic oil paintings and portraits, and some more abstract using mixed media and collage. I started this series in my friend’s back house immediately after George Floyd was killed when the whole country was in pain and shock at the height of a pandemic. Creating these pieces has been extremely cathartic and powerful in my healing process, and I hope they speak to people and particularly Black women going through the same intense cycle of emotions that I have been experiencing.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about LA is the weather- no, I’m kidding (sort of). Everyone says that… What I actually love the most is how amazing it is for the solo adventurer. There are so many different pockets and subcultures to explore. There are obviously different beaches, marinas, mountains and trails, but there are also so many different other physical and social environments everywhere. So many charming little villages and towns you would never knew existed. I’m always finding something new and wonderful here. I just adore Los Angeles.
What I like least are the traffic and the smog. It really is as bad as everyone says.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegabriellahart
Image Credit:
Lance Flores, Destiny Carlene
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