Meet Grace Astrin | Abstract Artist

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

Hi Grace, why did you pursue a creative career?
What led you to pursue a creative path?

As far as I remember, art was always a part of my life. I was surrounded by paintings and sculptures from an early age, thanks to my mom for being an artist. I would spend hours in her studio experimenting with different colors, techniques and looking at art pieces, both hers and other artists. Slowly my work became more and more complex and I started doing exhibitions in Rome, Italy. When it was time to choose a career, painting was already second nature to me. At that point, I knew I couldn’t live without it. It was an easy choice.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career?

We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I studied painting in high school and continued my craft at the Visual Arts program in the Academy of Fine Arts, located in Rome, Italy. Besides that, I tried to take part in as many exhibitions as I possibly could, mainly in Rome and Florence.

A few years later I felt a need to travel; I wanted to expand my horizons and find new inspirations. After traveling for a while, I decided to move to London. With the change of location, my art changed as well. Instead of taking inspiration from microbiology and classical artists, I was able to focus on myself and the essence of the city. This made me produce fluid abstract pieces on paper and canvas using bright acrylic/ink colors.
However, everything changed once the pandemic hit and Europe was stuck in a constant cycle of closing and reopening the economy. Thinking it might be the right time to look for inspiration in another city, I decided to join my family in Miami, Florida and continue my path there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m a contemporary abstract artist, I’ve been painting for more than 20 years. I was using canvas, paper, wood, and other support during that period. The material I’m using now is a three-dimensional framework with geometric forms painted with a mixed media technique.
I reconsider the use of colors, layers, and density on the surfaces while I’m working on this project. I’m preparing the material and then after layers of colors, when I achieve the final result I’m finishing the last coat with the primer. The idea is to represent the continuous mutation of the form, layer after layer the first surface it’s almost interceptable and blending with the rest of the composition.
It’s about the distortion, the movement of the texture and colors that keep you looking and getting lost. Especially now in our society, I feel the true figure of yourself and consciousness is going away. It’s a metaphor for the ever-seeking man who experiences a continuous loss.

I’m utilizing mainly black and white with sometimes a sprinkle of colors. The decision is taken following my emotional state and the flow of thinking during this process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I live in South Beach and have 2 dogs. We often go to parks, our favorite are Flamingo and Maurice Gibb. Miami has many great locations such as Wynwood with its graffiti and clubs and Brickell with its skyscrapers that remind me of London. My friends also enjoyed going to see my exhibitions “Between Connections” that I set up during Art Basel at Syndicate Wynwood (an amazing place with amazing people). But one thing I would love my friends to experience when they come visit, is the energy of this city! It is truly crazy! The whole city feels like an expressionist’s painting – anything can happen here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would like to give a shoutout to my mom, who encouraged and inspired me. My boyfriend who is supporting me and my work every day. Syndicate Wynwood for helping me setup my first exhibition in Miami. And my family and friends in Europe who support me everyday. Being surrounded by people who will always support me, means the world to me.

Website: www.graceastrin.com

Instagram: graceastrin