PLPT GEMS Presents
When did you discover your passion as an artist? Did you create your first masterpiece as a child, or did it take some time to recognize your gift?
I was always creating as a kid — I remember my mom gushing to a relative over the phone about how I would make little sculptures out of the twisty ties at the grocery store. She always encouraged my creativity, and she signed me up for Saturday-morning art classes when I was seven years old. We'd go out for donuts before class and during class I learned perspective and techniques in acrylic. Those Saturdays are some of my favorite childhood memories.
What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to become a full time artist?
I spent a long time in school — earning two Master's and a Doctoral degree — before I pursued art full-time. Throughout all the studying, art was always a means of relaxation and meditation for me. I love what I studied (Journalism, Literature, and Linguistics) and still consider myself a writer and linguist. Being a full-time artist just means that at this point in my life, the majority of my time is spent on art and writing is my diversion, as opposed to the other way around.
When did you know it was time to open your own gallery? What are the first 5 steps you took to prepare yourself?
I knew it was time to open my own gallery when I realized that I wanted the freedom to share my unique artistic style with others without compromising on presentation or experience. Working with other galleries is great, but you miss out on the ability to create your identity as an artist and present your work in a way that communicates your vision and style. The preparation was really about saving financially (1), finding an ideal location (2), talking with the community and directors of galleries in the area (3), building an inventory of strongest works (4), and putting 100% of time and effort into providing an exciting selection of work to customers and being an asset to the community. I'm lucky in that Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter is a dynamic community of artists and business owners who treat each other like family. It is wonderful and inspiring as an artist to be welcomed into such a positive, supportive, and prestigious group.
Are there moments when you feel fearful or uninspired? How do you overcome these moments of negative thinking?
There are definitely moments of fear and uninspiration, but I try to accept them as part of a healthy awareness of risk. I've learned over time that the best things take time and dedication — sometimes success is a matter of patience and positive thinking. If you keep yourself ready for opportunities and present what you have to offer, good things will come along. Sometimes good things are even more rewarding when you've been waiting for them.
Your sisters help you run the gallery. How has the support of your family contributed to your passion?
The support of my family has been great. We are good at supporting each other, though with five sisters it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of who is interested in what at which time. My dad is a physician and hasn't always been enthusiastic about my passion for art; but I think he's accepted that with hard work and dedication his daughters can be successful in any field, even ones that have a reputation for being financially challenging. Deep down I know he is happy as long as we are happy and contributing to the world in a positive way.
What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?
There is so much good in life, and one of the best things you can do for yourself and others is to focus on the good things and share that positivity. As far as searching for a purpose, I think a lot of life is giving yourself the opportunity to experiment and having enough patience to let yourself explore and discover without pressure. There's no time limit or expiration date on creativity.
Name someone who has inspired you and why.
Inspiration has come from so many individuals — is difficult to pick just one. At the risk of sounding like a college admissions essay, I have to say my mother is a huge inspiration. She has an incredible work ethic and a wonderful dedication to others.
How can our readers connect with you, or view your work?
Site: www.GALLERYBURGUIERES.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GALLERYBURGUIERES
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/GALLERYBNOLA
Email: ally@GALLERYBURGUIERES.com
And people are always welcome at GALLERY BURGUIERES, where they can usually meet me in person and see originals in real life!!
Ally Burguieres
Artist. Writer. Linguist.
When did you discover your passion as an artist? Did you create your first masterpiece as a child, or did it take some time to recognize your gift?
I was always creating as a kid — I remember my mom gushing to a relative over the phone about how I would make little sculptures out of the twisty ties at the grocery store. She always encouraged my creativity, and she signed me up for Saturday-morning art classes when I was seven years old. We'd go out for donuts before class and during class I learned perspective and techniques in acrylic. Those Saturdays are some of my favorite childhood memories.
What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to become a full time artist?
I spent a long time in school — earning two Master's and a Doctoral degree — before I pursued art full-time. Throughout all the studying, art was always a means of relaxation and meditation for me. I love what I studied (Journalism, Literature, and Linguistics) and still consider myself a writer and linguist. Being a full-time artist just means that at this point in my life, the majority of my time is spent on art and writing is my diversion, as opposed to the other way around.
 |
| "Bamboo Pond" — a 5' x 4' Oil and Acrylic Paint on Canvas painting |
When did you know it was time to open your own gallery? What are the first 5 steps you took to prepare yourself?
I knew it was time to open my own gallery when I realized that I wanted the freedom to share my unique artistic style with others without compromising on presentation or experience. Working with other galleries is great, but you miss out on the ability to create your identity as an artist and present your work in a way that communicates your vision and style. The preparation was really about saving financially (1), finding an ideal location (2), talking with the community and directors of galleries in the area (3), building an inventory of strongest works (4), and putting 100% of time and effort into providing an exciting selection of work to customers and being an asset to the community. I'm lucky in that Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter is a dynamic community of artists and business owners who treat each other like family. It is wonderful and inspiring as an artist to be welcomed into such a positive, supportive, and prestigious group.
Are there moments when you feel fearful or uninspired? How do you overcome these moments of negative thinking?
There are definitely moments of fear and uninspiration, but I try to accept them as part of a healthy awareness of risk. I've learned over time that the best things take time and dedication — sometimes success is a matter of patience and positive thinking. If you keep yourself ready for opportunities and present what you have to offer, good things will come along. Sometimes good things are even more rewarding when you've been waiting for them.
 |
| "Lemurs in the Treme(rs)" — a 46'' x 28'' Oil and Acrylic Paint on Canvas painting |
The support of my family has been great. We are good at supporting each other, though with five sisters it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of who is interested in what at which time. My dad is a physician and hasn't always been enthusiastic about my passion for art; but I think he's accepted that with hard work and dedication his daughters can be successful in any field, even ones that have a reputation for being financially challenging. Deep down I know he is happy as long as we are happy and contributing to the world in a positive way.
What advice would you offer to others who are searching for their purpose or are afraid to take the first step towards their dreams?
There is so much good in life, and one of the best things you can do for yourself and others is to focus on the good things and share that positivity. As far as searching for a purpose, I think a lot of life is giving yourself the opportunity to experiment and having enough patience to let yourself explore and discover without pressure. There's no time limit or expiration date on creativity.
Name someone who has inspired you and why.
Inspiration has come from so many individuals — is difficult to pick just one. At the risk of sounding like a college admissions essay, I have to say my mother is a huge inspiration. She has an incredible work ethic and a wonderful dedication to others.
 |
| "Moonrise over Bourbon" — a 24'' x 12'' Oil and Acrylic Paint on Canvas painting |
Site: www.GALLERYBURGUIERES.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GALLERYBURGUIERES
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/GALLERYBNOLA
Email: ally@GALLERYBURGUIERES.com
And people are always welcome at GALLERY BURGUIERES, where they can usually meet me in person and see originals in real life!!
736 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70116
1 comments:
I want, no, NEED this Lemurs painting...making a note to get that on my next trip home! BEAUTIFUL!!!
Post a Comment