Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Gianatiempo.
Hi Colleen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is that I am an artist. It all began when I was about 18 months old. Unsupervised, I would dig into my mother’s purse, find lipstick, and draw with it on the walls. I don’t think they had the Mr. Clean magic eraser, then! It didn’t stop there. I would get the boxes of family photos and cut them up interestingly. Both of these practices were expressive but destructive.
I was an Air Force brat, so I moved around a lot, and this bred major insecurities in me. I always had to adapt and make new friends. I was shy and quiet. I always say I was like Ali Sheedy from the Breakfast Club. I hid behind my hair. Also in this mix was the fact that my mother had Agoraphobia (An anxiety disorder that often develops after one or more panic attacks. Symptoms include fear and avoidance of places and situations that might cause feelings of panic, entrapment, helplessness, or embarrassment.). I didn’t go anywhere except school and the grocery store. While my mom shopped for groceries, I would sit in the magazine rack and look at all the great things. My mom would buy me markers, geometric graph paper, and paper dolls. I would make my designs out of the patterns by coloring in shapes. I would also make paper doll clothing using these designs. This could be one of the reasons why I have my clothing line today!
Because I was confined to a few places, I loved the outdoors. This also fueled my love for nature, and this trickled into my work. I notice all the details about nature that one may overlook. Getting close, being still, and being curious is all part of being an artist; this was where it all began. The perfect recipe. And the silver lining in a not-so-good situation. I also was a magnet to animals. I always rescued injured frogs, birds, moles, etc. I would nurse them back to health and then let them go. Today, I have two rescued cats that are very important in my life. I did come out of my shell once I met Lisa. We met at an outdoor education camp in the 6th grade. She was pivotal in bringing me out of my shell. I gained some self-confidence, met more people, got into mischief, and had lots and lots of laughter. Joy is the other ingredient that you need to be an artist. I began my career as an artist in the fashion industry. I graduated with a Degree in Fashion Marketing, which was part of the business school then. I lived in New York City and worked for Lord & Taylor as an assistant buyer. I also worked for a designer in Boston named Lorraine Parish.
In alignment with my Air Force background is this fascinating element of my personality called Wanderlust! This is another ingredient that is very important in creating art. One needs to get exposed to as much stimulation for inspiration as possible! I moved across the country to Southern California with one suitcase. No housing. No car. Nothing. I found my way. I worked in the fashion industry, I waited, I met friends, I found an apartment and a fantastic life! I was exposed to graphic design and decided to return to school to become a graphic designer. I went to Otis Parsons School of Design in LA. I was never so “Boston” as I was there. I looked so preppy next to my fellow student body, pierced, dyed, tattooed, and spiked. But I loved it! And then I met my future husband. Three years later, I moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and started my own business. That business, Imagination Graphic Design, is still in business today. 34 years! However, my path continued.
When my mom passed away in 2009, I inherited some money. It was just enough for me to do what I wanted! Become a fine artist! I wanted to be a painter. So, I enrolled in The Academy of Art in San Francisco and majored in non-figurative abstract painting! I moved to the Bay Area when my daughter was born in 2000.
I have been selling my art now since 2017. I have a thriving art practice. I exhibit my work internationally with artists in The Global Art Project. I have done many public art projects, such as The Hearts of San Francisco and The 30th Anniversary of the Sea Lions at Pier 39. Plus, many more. I have been called the artist with a heart due to another project where I created a mural in honor of loved ones who have passed “Small Town with a Big Heart.” I have a gallery that represents my art. I also do many commissions.
In 2021, I moved to St. George, Utah, as I was escaping the fires of California. I am now a professor of Art at Utah Tech University. I am a board member of The Southern Utah Arts Guild. I am a member of a group of artists called WOW, Women Out West. I have a virtual art school that was created during the pandemic. I am also a traveling artist and teach workshops at home and abroad. I had my first international workshop in Lecce, Italy, in May! My most significant work of art is my two children, Isabella and Dominic, who are superstars! The red rocks of Southern Utah are such an inspiration to me. I will never tire of my view of Zion National Park and all the open spaces where I can see and dream forever. My future goal is to exhibit my work at Basel Miami!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It could have been smoother. I always wanted to be an artist. I wanted to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology, but my father said no. He wanted me to get a business degree. He told me that I would never make money as an artist. I had to overcome myths and limiting beliefs to do what I do now. I have had many traumas which have affected who I am along the way. Losing my sister tragically in 2016 was one of them. But these have made me live deeper, feel more, and create more. One month into the pandemic, I was diagnosed with cancer and fought it and overcame it. Nothing will take me down. I was raising a family while I was getting my master’s degree. I was carting my kids to gymnastics meets and dance competitions and doing homework. At the Academy, I was a minority in this international school. They called me “The White Girl.” I was also one of the older students (being over 50). But I found my people and still have everlasting friendships. Starting in the fine art world takes time. I have been at it for 7 years and am still where I want to be. But I will never give up, and I want to prove that you can make a living as an artist.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
My superpower is teaching. After I graduated with my master’s degree, I did it out of necessity until I could start making some fine art sales. I had no idea I would love it so much and be very good at it! So, my business is comprised of many creative things. I teach virtually and have students all over the country and the world. The furthest is Tel Aviv. I am a University Professor at Utah Tech University. I am a chair of the Southern Utah Arts Guild. I am a member of The Global Art Project and exhibit my work internationally. I am represented by a Gallery here in Southern Utah called Sunset Gallery. I do public, corporate, and individual art commissions. I do graphic design and interior design. I have a clothing line, and Le Galerieste represents me. I am a mixed-media abstract artist. My contemporary, layered, colorful style sets me apart from others. And as a teacher, I am told I am very nurturing and supportive.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Sometimes, being honored commissions could be combined with luck and aesthetic skill. Getting awarded to be a part of the Anniversary of the Sea Lions being at Pier 39 was luck. And this propelled my career forward and snowballed into many more commissions. Most of all, I have learned that there is no overnight success, and you must learn to withstand the most punishment, and then you always move forward. I have more rejections in my hat than exhibitions. You must learn to have tough skin.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gianatiempogallery.com
- Instagram: @GianatiempoFineArt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studioGianatiempo/
