9:00 am: I write in my gratitude journal every morning. 3 things that I am grateful for and 1 thing that will make the next 24 hours great. This practice helps me align on what is positive and what I have control over.
9:30 am: I make breakfast at home. I love making eggs with veggies and coffee!
10 am: I check emails, social media, and respond to any inquiries
10:30 am: Depending on the day, I head to the yoga studio OR the art studio.
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN in an artist district neighborhood. I was surrounded by art buildings, art events, and loved peering into the studios of professional artists during open studios. This vibrant and artistic community sparked my creative drive and interest in building the community. I also grew up with very creative and hard-working parents that inspired me to do whatever I was called to do! They have supported my art-making from the beginning, and I am extremely grateful for them. My dad’s house is pretty much a museum of my art from the last 10 years.
I had the opportunity in college to experiment with all different kinds of mediums. I explored printmaking, ceramics, oil painting, watercolor, and sculpture. After I no longer had access to certain materials and tools, I had to figure out what would be next. I started simply with drawing and painting. I could afford the materials and use what I already had. I started painting more and more, and it turned into my favorite thing of all! Painting has a mind of its own and there are so many textures, layers, colors, and tones you can create.
I don’t believe that formal education is necessary to create, however, I do believe we have the amazing opportunity as humans to continue to learn and develop. There are so many different opportunities to flex this muscle—through art classes, workshops, events, but also through other types of study—reading, listening to podcasts, getting inspired by community, being in nature, learning how to dance, move, sing, etc. Education and development of any kind lead to deeper understanding and transformation. As an artist, it feels pretty powerful to use what I know to inspire what I create. At the same time, I want to know more and more, so I can keep being inspired.
Keep creating if it makes you feel good. Continuously check in with your “why” behind what you're doing. If what you’re making is coming from an authentic and passionate place, you will feel full and successful with what you are doing. If not, it can feel stressful and a heavyweight to create art. Your intention will flow through you into the work you create.
The message I want to share is one of self-exploration, fluidity, movement, and being a part of change and transformation. There is a lot of trust, patience, and serenity that comes along with my process, and that is what I want to express through my work. Inquiry, data collection, curiosity, and being able to move in, out, and through it all. This work of self-exploration is important to me because it is where it all begins. The more aware you are of yourself, the more you learn, the more you can connect to this beautiful world.
One big challenge that I have as a female artist, is the pressure of presenting myself and my work on social media in a very curated and “naturally beautiful” way. Sometimes it all feels like a big mess, but it's hard to be vulnerable and show that. I’m always working to find the balance between being authentic and being professional, and how to use social media in a positive and uplifting way.
I am a person who always has a lot going on—multiple side hustles, a full social calendar, and a full-time job. I love it all and I get motivated by knowing that I’m on the right path and doing meaningful work. I know that if I spend an hour painting, taking yoga, or spending time with a friend, it is a valuable experience. I also get motivated by inspiring conversations with supportive friends, being out in nature, traveling, and coffee.
My art-making is a part of me! It doesn’t feel like a job or a gig, but something that I have to practice to feel the most alive and the most like myself. I work on my creativity in addition to my full-time job as a yoga studio manager, so at this point, it is technically a side hustle.
The inconsistency with money can be a challenge in my creative practice. Each month is different and various, so it can be hard to plan and budget, not knowing how much money I will make. I try to trust the process and come from a place of abundance instead of scarcity in my brain. This helps me overcome any feelings of worry or pressure to sell.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive materials or have a big studio to create. Start small, carve out space in your home or your room, and make it work! Also, support other artists. If you think of money as fluid, you will always have enough, and it will always come back to you. It’s good karma to buy original art and support other artists.
Change happens, gratitude helps!
Get uncomfortable with yourself and your creative practice. That’s where growth happens.
Pinterest, Rose wine, Lizzo
Creating, breathing, and connecting
To learn more about Gina Gaetz please visit ginagaetz.com
Thanks for introducing me to this cool artist. I love reading about other female artists, and their lives. It keeps me going when I’m feel down.
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Nisha Btesh
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