Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabi Madrid.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Dinosaurs. Coins. Action Figures. Cards. Marbles. Many of us growing up had a collection of items we cherished as young children. But my collection didn’t consist of toys, money, or trading cards. Instead it full of objects from the natural world. Growing up in Florida really made me appreciate the sheer beauty of nature. Often my family would visit the beach on hot summer afternoons. There my siblings and I would collect seashell, driftwood, and anything shiny. Other days when there would be sunshine showers my friends and I would go to the cul-de-sac to collect bugs and worms that washed up. Then I would return home with my new treasure and store them away.
I had a little treasure chest that I kept hidden from the rest of the world. Inside the box was my collection of valuable found objects which included various colored rocks, pieces of glass, and shiny metal objects with maybe a dead bug or two. However, it wasn’t until much later in life that I would incorporate found objects into my art.
For most of my life, I never considered being an artist. A portion of my family believed I would be a starving artist, struggling to make ends meet. Yet, I loved working with my hands, therefore, I decided to follow my passion despite their objections. I created the brand Lost Nature Art when I decided to pursue a career in art which is how I got to where I am today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey in this life has had its rough patches but it could have always been worse. The struggles I’ve faced have mostly been centered around financial issues and mental health. After graduating from high school, I was severely concerned about affording college which created tension between my divorced parents. I was able to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design on scholarships based on my portfolio, grades, and Native American heritage. But shortly after my transition from the Savannah campus to the Atlanta one, for Sculpture, my father and I had a falling out. That impacted me not only financially but also emotionally. The stress and anxiety from that situation as well as school made it difficult for me to cope.
I still suffer with creative funks and depression on a monthly basis which affects my motivation and workflow. However, I return to my faith in my low points and try to surround myself with supportive community to ease me through those moments. Last year genuinely tested every aspect of my life, the loss of some friends truly impacted my mental health. Then coming to terms with being genderqueer (I use they/them pronouns) has its moments but I’m lucky to have friends that are really accepting and loving. Despite my low points I remain hopeful for the future and the new opportunities it will bring.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lost Nature Art – what should we know?
Currently, Lost Nature Art is specializing in props for films/photoshoots that correlate to the brand’s natural aesthetic. There was a film that a headpiece was made for which was set in the woods with a forest creature with branches instead of antlers. Another project that’s happening is a collaboration between photographer Neta Zuk. The photoshoot will explore fashion with nature to create a refined modern-day nymph.
It’s exciting to see how Lost Nature Art combines the beauty of nature into other art outlets such as fashion, film, and photography. The thing that sets Lost Nature Art apart from others is the dedication to the environment to be as eco-friendly as possible. Often there are discarded materials that are repurposed into the headdresses, staffs, and other props. Each piece is carefully handmade from natural items to fit the client’s design. If interested, please visit www.lostnatureart.com to view products and request commissions.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are certain people in my life that have been a major support in my journey as an artist that I wish to mention. My mother has been my biggest cheerleader throughout every situation, she has been my advisor in the toughest of times and has always been there behind me every step of the way. I would also like to show my appreciation to Steven Jarvis, who has been my primary sculpture professor during my time at SCAD. He has given me bits of wisdom have helped me develop into the artist I am today. He truly made me ask the question of “why” I do the things I do which has made me introspective into my process and motivations. I am also grateful to the blacksmith Corrina Sephora, who gave me the opportunity to learn how to connect with more people in the art community and shared her insight to how to be a successful fine artist. Finally, I would like to thank George Borrelli, another mentor that shared his life experiences and studio space to further my knowledge of sculpture.
Pricing:
- Printing trays $450 each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lostnatureart.com
- Phone: 9043278411
- Email: gabi@madridcentral.com
- Instagram: @lostnatureart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostNatureArt/
Image Credit:
Eli Matson
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