We recently had the chance to connect with Nina Gonzalez-Rubio and have shared our conversation below.
Nina, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Every time I am focusing on the small details of my work, time flies by. I absolutely love it when I’m finishing up my pieces and get to focus on the small, seemingly unnoticeable details. I could spend hours on one section of a painting and learn so much about my technique and how each stroke of paint or pastel can make a significant impact. The whole process leaves me with a great sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, I’m pretty awful about getting out of this endless loop. I usually tend to check back into reality once my poor posture catches up with me and my back starts hurting.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nina Gonzalez-Rubio. I’m an Ecuadorian-American, mixed-media artist residing in Metro Atlanta. I usually focus on making figurative paintings paired with elements of drawing, crochet, and relief carving. Since my undergraduate years, my work has heavily focused on using figures, usually representing myself, to share sentimental memories and internal thoughts with my audience. I rely on color, shape, perspective, and texture to accomplish this. Recently, I have been narrowing my focus on how I digest the pressures of being a mixed woman in my mid-20s living through the rising influence of our societal and political climate. I still apply all the same elements to my paintings, but I’m working on refining my technique and making a cohesive body of work that I’m proud of.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My older brother, Peter, has always been my rock for as long as I can remember. Although we are 6 years apart, he has always made me feel included and important. Peter has helped me through some of my toughest years and has always reminded me of my worth. He is one of the biggest reasons why I was always so confident to be myself growing up and why I’m pursuing my passions today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The most valuable lesson I have learned is that success is what you make of it. When you grow up going through some tough situations, you begin to realize how unimportant luxurious lifestyles really are. Society pushes this agenda that success means making good money and living lavishly, but I think it is being able to make the most of the cards you’re dealt. Someone who can chase their dreams and achieve milestones is more successful than someone climbing a corporate ladder.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I prioritize keeping a close relationship with my family. I have always believed it is important to have a strong bond with your family and to nourish it. My dad has done an amazing job raising my siblings and me to be close and to always support each other. I plan to carry those values out when I have my own family. I’m so grateful for my dad, siblings, my abuela, my tías, and my cousins. They have been my biggest supporters through everything and love me unconditionally. I wouldn’t trade our bond for anything.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I would say my career as an artist won’t start paying off for a while. Choosing to follow an artistic career path is a lifelong commitment. You are constantly learning new things and facing rejection, even when you’re an established artist. In rare cases, a few people get lucky and their career launches off as soon as it starts. However, I know I’m on the right path and I’m more than happy to dedicate my life to making my dreams a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://killgrass.univer.se/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killgrass?igsh=c2wwaDB3djc5ZWs3&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninagonzalezrubio?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Nina Gonzalez-Rubio
