Meet Gabrielle Moore | Visual Artist, Fashion Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabrielle Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabrielle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I always thought I would become a veterinarian or dentist when a was younger, I never really considered art as a career back then. As I grew older, my love for the Arts and lack of comprehension of the Sciences also grew and I eased into a more creative area of my life. Creating art and fashion is where I feel most at home. The feeling of coming up with an idea no matter how far-fetched and impossible it seems, along with visualising and constructing it in my mind even before it goes on paper brings me a sense of euphoria. Words are not one of my strong suits, so my art and creativity has been a platform for me to express my emotions and thoughts. I chose an artistic and creative path in order to tell stories, create and change spaces and perspectives on everyday things.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After a year of working at a full-time day job that wasn’t making me happy i would say that persuing a career in arts creativity has not been a walk in the park, but for the most part I am following my heart and trying to create full-time has been one of the most fulfilling experience ever. I can be a rather anxious person at times and art has been a way for me to focus my mind on something different. My art focuses on the exploration of mental health issues, and the way one perceives pleasure and pain when there are no set boundaries between the two. I express myself through creating mixed media sculptures and drawings, which embody the duality of the human nature. My focus has been on the home where I recreate pieces seen in that setting with the ability to cause harm. Along with that, I am delving into portraying the human figure more within in my work. Over the past few years, I have been exploring the use of materials which not only contrast, but also compliment each other at the same time. Id say my best work is done when i let my subconscious influence my ideas from their inspirations automatically, no boundaries made. I draw my inspirations from the unnatural juxtapositions of surreal art and also from the mind and body connection we as humans have. Designing clothing and accessories have always brought me joy and combining my artistic talent with fashion is what I seek to do. While art has been an outlet for my mind, fashion is how I express myself. It gives me a sense of confidence and I am not afraid to be me. One goal of mine I am most excited about is trying to incorporate more of my art into wearable pieces, a collaboration of art and fashion within my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Pre-pandemic i would have to say the beach would of course have to be one of the places to visit here in Barbados. Here there are plenty to choose from to soak up some of the sun’s rays (don’t forget to wear your sunscreen) or pick a cool spot in the shade and of course bring along some food, snacks and drinks for a little picnic and enjoy the great outdoors. We could catch a movie at the cinema and browse the Shopping Mall while we are there and on a sunny day we would definitely have to be going on a Catamaran Cruise swimming with the turtles and enjoy ourselves. We would also have to explore whats happening currently and take in some art and fashion shows.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Persuing an artistic career can most definitely be a struggle at times. I have so many people in my life who support, encourage and inspire me and I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to my mum and brother and family for supporting me and encouraging me in my artistic endeavours, along with Christopher and Camille both fellow creatives. The Barbados Community College and St Lawrence College instructors who helped to guide me and also thank you to Akilah Watts for introducing me to the shout out magazine team. Finally thank you to all the wonderful people who help me to become the person that I am today.

Website: http://gabriellemoore.website2.me/

Instagram: @thatshadeofpink

Image Credits
Christopher Dyall