Meet Gabrielle Peck | Artist & Curator

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

Hi Gabrielle, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
A quote that I have said, “I am an artist and an activist, that means I am here to make The Revolution as beautiful as possible” are words that I live by!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an artist that dabbles in many different media: painting, sculpture, writing, photography, dancing, curating, and community organizing. The art that I create that I am most proud of is my community-organizing. I use my creativity to inspire others to get more involved in their community and to give them hope that we can fight for a more beautiful future for all.

My greatest struggle in my career is navigating my debilitating mental illness: my diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. I cycle through manic lows and depressive highs, which can make the work that I do very difficult. A major part of the work that I do is coordinating community events, which can be very difficult to do when I plan it in a manic stage, but when the date rolls around, I am in such a depressive state that I can barely get out of bed. After many years of experimentation, I have finally discovered the meds that keep me balanced and still allow me to be me and make my art. However, medicine is only one ingredient of the puzzle; the Free Art Collective motivates me and inspires me to take my mental health seriously. Because of all of these experiences, I use my Free Art Collective as a platform to help de-stigmatize discussing mental health for others.

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 am based in Rochester, NY, and when a friend comes into town the first thing I do is take them on an art date! We check out our local museums, galleries, and my art studio!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom is the reason why I do the community work that I do. Growing up, she showered me with art supplies, art classes, dance classes, and threw birthday parties for me that were essentially art parties! I recognize that not every child gets to grow up in such a supportive, loving, kind, and creative environment, and it is my MISSION to bring this magic to others. Because of my beautiful mother, I am inspired to use the light that shines in me that she fostered, to touch the lives of others.

Website: www.freeartcollective.org

Instagram: @freeart.collective

Facebook: Free Art Collective Group

Image Credits
Gabrielle Peck