Gabriela Mejia: Multipotentialite

We caught up with local artist, musician and performer Gabriela Mejia who has had some fun breakout projects in the past year or so, and continues to push her creative boundaries.

As a creative you wear several hats. Can you share about your multitude of skill sets and creative expression? 

“I found a word in the dictionary that perfectly describes a person who does many things: "multipotentialite." Not only do I consider myself a multipotentialite, but I also see myself as a Renaissance woman. From a young age, I have had a passionate yearning for various forms of art and expression. My work spans across murals, graphic design, illustration, and custom art and crafts. As a multi-instrumentalist, I have a keen interest in world music, often playing instruments that few people recognize and with many different bands nationwide. In addition, I have been a Polynesian dancer since the age of 12, expressing the dances of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand. Also, also, I am a baker, delighting in creating fun and eclectic recipes. With all these diverse experiences, I love teaching people of all ages the various skills I have acquired throughout my life.”

With such diverse talents, how do you decide which medium or style to focus on for a particular project, and how do you ensure cohesion across your body of work?

“I'm grateful for my college education at a private school in Chicago that emphasized a comprehensive art curriculum. They taught us a wide range of genres, including illustration, storyboarding, sculpture, graphic design. photography, fine arts, and figure drawing, among others. We didn't have electives unrelated to art, which allowed me to immerse myself fully in creative studies. This type of education enabled me to ensure cohesion across my body of work, maintaining a consistent thematic thread or visual language and blending elements from my various skills to create a unified and unique style for each body of work that I do. And it's fun for me to switch into different styles, it keeps me on my toes! “

Can you share a piece of your origin story that inspired you to become an artist? 

“My journey as an artist began in Honduras, surrounded by my mother's love for baking and my father's love for music. I still vividly remember our gatherings and celebrations, filled with artistic expression all around me. One of my earliest memories is of my uncle teaching me how to play notes on a mini keyboard when I was just six years old. Although we didn't have much in Honduras, we certainly had creativity, and that was a seed nurtured within me even after we moved to the United States. I am deeply grateful to my family for this foundation.”

What are some upcoming projects you're exploring or excited about? 

“I'm currently excited to begin a Mural Summer Camp for teens starting on June 24th supported by Carbondale Arts. This is my second year teaching, and it's been incredibly fun guiding the youth in painting murals! Additionally, I will be vending at Mountain Fair for the first time this year, which I'm thrilled about. Although I'm trying not to stress, I'm eager to showcase more of my work. On the 27th, I will also be performing a Polynesian dance set at Mountain Fair in the Oasis, marking that my third year in a row! Besides these activities, I'm exploring some personal projects that include artistic and musical workshops that I'm not ready to share with the public just yet. Stay tuned in the fall!”

Women’s VOICES: Objects in the Mirror, April 2024

Where can we find your work, or see one of your performances? 

I share an art studio at the Third Street Center, STUDIO 10, and I pretty much live there so come visit me anytime! Otherwise if you wish to keep up to date with everything I'm embarking on, check out my Instagram @one_gemart or my website, bio.site/gemart, where I regularly share updates, completed projects and upcoming events. For live performances, you can catch Aspen Polynesia at Mountain Fair this year on the 27th. Additionally, I occasionally perform music at local venues, so keep an eye out for announcements on my social media.