Meet Gwen A.P. | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gwen A.P. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gwen A.P., how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is essential if you want to advance as an artist. You have to be willing to push harder and go farther than you are comfortable in pursuit of your passion. It is only when you go outside of your comfort zone that you truly grow. I have to remind myself if I’m uncomfortable, it’s ok, it means I’m growing. You also have to go in knowing that the risk won’t always pay off. More times than not it will, but you have to be willing to go down in flames. That’s where you separate the true artist,

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.
Art has never been a choice for me, more of a survival strategy. Growing up my mother was abusive so art was my sanctuary. As I got older I lived w foster parents who told me art was an unrealistic career. My dream school was FIT. Instead I went to a state school and got a degree I don’t use. I made friends w a band who gave me an opportunity to live paint. From there I social networked my way through live performances, clothing and merchandise collaborations, art production, and eventually showcasing my large scale collection in galleries. I am the definition of self made. And it’s humbling when I think of that 13 year old girl going in and out of foster homes w my entire life in half a garbage bag. I want the rawness and the realness of my struggle to show through in my art. I want you to feel my strength.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places in Columbus is the Vanderelli Room. I love seeing the owner A.J. And the latest collection on display, not to mention chatting w my fav local artists! My friend Julianne is at the studios right next door so I’d pop in to see what fun project she is currently working on. For food it’s Barcelona hands down! I love their menu! It is constantly changing to add season selections that are a culinary delight! Special thanks to Ian for the off menu treats! From there we scoot scoot!! I love scooting around the city and joyriding to our next location. If we are in the mood for music, it’s Summit Music Hall! Last weekend we enjoyed the annual performances at Trauma which were second to none. And if there’s no events popping, pull through my studio, we can shoot some photos or make some art!!

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?
There is not one person in particular but rather a community of people that continue to recognize my talent and give me opportunities to pursue my passion. It started w Marc Brownstein giving me an opportunity to live paint, Nathan Catucci asking me to create art for his film, AJ Vanderelli giving me a venue to showcase my large scale collection, to name a few. There have been so many people along the way that have lifted me and my art up, it’s hard to recount them all here. I make it a point to pay it forward whenever I have the opportunity to lift up another deserving soul because I would not be the artist I am today w/o the stewardship of so many incredible souls along my journey.

Website: www.GwenAP-art.com

Instagram: Artistgwenap

Facebook: Gwen AP

Image Credits
SteveMalone, twistedview, MuseDetroit