Meet Florencia Clement De Grandprey | Professional Mixed Media Figurative Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Florencia Clement De Grandprey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Florencia, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
On a personal level, I’ve always thought of my artwork as being healing, for myself as well as for those who see it. On the social level, my work as a mixed media artist deeply intertwines with the community and the world at large. Through my art, I strive to create pieces that not only captivate visually but also resonate on a deeper, more meaningful level.
I actively participate in local art exhibitions and events in the Fort Lauderdale area, fostering a vibrant arts community. By showcasing my work in public spaces, I aim to make art accessible to everyone, encouraging cultural appreciation and dialogue.
I also teach art classes, sharing my techniques and passion for mixed media art with aspiring artists of all ages. This not only nurtures creativity but also empowers individuals to express themselves and explore their artistic potential.
My large format figurative paintings, often created on unique backgrounds like fabric and rugs, reflect the diverse layers of life and culture. By incorporating preexisting patterns into my work, I highlight the beauty of diversity and the richness of different cultural narratives.
Art has the power to inspire and uplift. Through my work, I aim to convey messages of resilience, hope, and empowerment. For instance, my mixed media portraits of Kobe, Bam and Oprah embody strength and perseverance, serving as a source of inspiration for many.
By using recycled materials and repurposing fabrics and rugs as canvases, I contribute to environmental sustainability. This approach not only reduces waste but also brings new life to discarded items, promoting a message of renewal and creativity.
In essence, my business is not just about creating art; it’s about building connections, inspiring change, healing our soul and contributing positively to the community and the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as a mixed media artist has been profoundly personal and transformative. My work features large format figurative paintings on unconventional backgrounds like fabric and rugs. I love incorporating the preexisting patterns of these materials into my images, creating a metaphor for life’s layers and complexities. This unique approach not only adds depth and texture to my pieces but also tells a story that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.

Throughout my artistic journey, my style has evolved, and I’m always excited to explore new materials. I initially started painting on canvas and integrated wallpaper and fabric samples to “dress” my subjects. Soon after, I discovered that I could paint directly on fabric, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. From there, working on area rugs was a natural progression, and I especially enjoy the unlimited patterns and sizes available.

Starting my full-time art career in late 2014 was a significant turning point. It wasn’t an easy path; there were numerous challenges along the way. From finding my unique voice in the art world to navigating the business aspects of being an artist, each step required perseverance and dedication. There were moments of self-doubt and financial uncertainty. However, my passion for art and the support of the Fort Lauderdale community and the help of social media kept me going. Participating in local exhibitions and events helped me build a network and gain visibility. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my artistic vision. I had to learn to trust that the universe has my back, and that my job is to keep painting and to put all my love into what I do.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity. Staying true to my artistic voice and vision has been crucial. Additionally, I believe there is great importance in “showing up” in the community and engaging with other artists and art enthusiasts. This has enriched my practice and opened up new opportunities. I’ve been an artist in residence for the Historical Society of Fort Lauderdale since 2018, with a studio in the History Fort Lauderdale Museum open to the public. I have also just begun a residency at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center in Pompano Beach, where I’ll be until June 2025.

I’m honored to have received recognition for my work, including being chosen to show in the United Arab Emirates in 2020 and 2021 and winning several international art contests such as ArtPrize 2021, where I was chosen Artista Latina, and ArtPrize 2022, where I won the Public Vote for 2-D and Artista Latina award. I’ve also had the pleasure of being commissioned to create a huge custom painting for All-star Miami Heat basketball player Bam Adebayo in 2023.

I want the world to know that my art is a celebration of life’s layers and complexities. Through my work, I aim to inspire, uplift, and provoke thought. My brand is built on the principles of creativity, resilience, and community engagement. Each piece I create is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of art to connect and transform.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are several art activities I’m part of that I can recommend:
– From now until Oct. 14th, I’m showing, along with 3 other very talented local Hispanic artists in the “Viva Fort Lauderdale” art exhibit for Hispanic Cultural Month in the History Fort Lauderdale Museum.
– I have an exciting solo show with the opening reception on Friday Oct. 4th 6:00-10:00 PM at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center in Pompano that will run through Oct. 26th.
-This December, I’ll have a booth at Spectrum Miami from December 2nd-8th during Art Miami week this year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As they say, it takes a community to raise a child…and so it does to support an artist!
I’m thankful for everyone who has lent a hand, offered opportunities to show, shared inspiration and especially to those who purchased my artwork, because without them I wouldn’t be able to make a living doing what I love!

Website: https://www.artbyflorencia.com

Instagram: @artbyflorencia

Facebook: Art by Florencia

Other: -I’m currently exhibiting along with 3 other artists in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at the History Fort Lauderdale Museum up until October 14th.

-I’m having a solo exhibit at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center in Pompano Beach (Oct. 1st- 27th) with an Opening Reception on October 4th from 6:00-9:00 PM.

-I’ll have a booth at Spectrum Miami from December 2nd-8th during Art Miami week this year.

-I’m available for custom work and love creating unique pieces to suit your space, decor, budget and heart!

Image Credits
Graciela Laurent Photography