PIGMENT PROFILES: GABRIELLE STODDARD
It is such a pleasure to be featuring another dear friend of mine who I met a number of years ago after having followed each other’s creative endeavours from afar, despite both living in Auckland. Gabrielle is such a lovely and kind person who’s creative practices are varied, ranging from photography to textile based work. It has been such a pleasure getting to know Gab over the years, and I am excited for you to get to know her a little bit better.
What/who inspires you and your work?
It's hard to say because my inspiration can be quite instantaneous. At the moment I'm inspired by modes of Image making ( abstract, documentation, representational), Textiles, performance, and movement. I'm always inspired by print specifically publications and books and music has always been a strong Inspiration especially live music. I can't forget to mention all the creative people surrounding me, I am lucky to have so many creative friends.
Describe the creative process/es you follow. Does it change from project to project?
As a multidisciplinary artist, I follow quite a few different processes. As I work project to project a new process occurs which I find quite exhilarating.
I have been working on some natural fiber ribbed bags called‘ T Totes ‘. These are made with the help from my incredible knit technician and a very old knitting machine. I started thinking about personal space and how a bag is an extension of ourselves. This moving into some simple imagery ideas onto a rough idea that was tested in the knitting lab. And now I have been making them to order and soon to be sharing them with a store.
As for my photographic process, This has changed over the years as I have explored different avenues. I am currently engaged with my photographic practice in a very conceptual realm. Hence starting with a lot of research and thinking about what I want to capture. I then take photographs which are taken spontaneously, via a film or an organised studio shoot. The photographs are then commonly filtered through a printing process such as screen printing, Photopolymer, risograph, CMYK separation Print, etc.
What got you interested in photography?
I first started taking photographs when I was about 14/15 years old when I was recovering from an illness and took some time away from school. While I was at home I started a blog/website which I continued for 5 years. That is when my interest in photography grew. I then saw friends start getting into photography seriously through high school who showed me the potential of photography. I then started photographing editorials with brands and photographed event such as fashion week etc. I also got heavily involved with photographing the Auckland music scene in 2013. When I was 17 I started shooting some film after doing a darkroom paper at highschool. This was the start of exploring more abstract photography and forming more of a style which has shaped the photographs I take today.
Who are some people whose work/processes interest you?
Yasmine Ganley - Anyone Girl, Amy Yalland - INDEX Printing, Deb Smith - Cloud Workshop Kate Newby - Artist.
How do you move past a creative block?
Lose my mind then find it again
What struggles have you faced pursuing a creative career? What advice would you give to others looking to explore their creative outlets?
I think my biggest struggle is self-reassurance and pressures you feel from being in the creative scene. Especially in a small country like New Zealand, you feel like you have everything at your fingertips which can be such a great privilege but also creates a lot of pressure in the creative community. I find myself having to reassure myself about my progress and direction with my work and value what I do.
I think my biggest advice is value yourself, Don't ever think you are not good enough for anything and take any opportunities you can get. Also, email email email...
Currently listening to (podcasts, music, audiobooks):
Podcasts / On The Line with Estee Lalonde, Pillow Talk by Killer And A Sweet Thang, RNZ: BANG!
Music / Horse Jumper Out Of Love, The Spirit of the Beehive, Sharon Van Etten, Darvid Thor, Purple Pilgrims, Mermaidens, Beach house the list can go on…
Books / A field guide to getting lost - Rebecca Solnit, The white book - Joan Didion, Incredible feeling, Kate Newby
Current goals (personal/professional):
To be more spontaneous
Learn to relax
Top 5 (products, places, food, activities, etc.):
RMS Beauty - “ Un cover-up “
Te Uru Art Gallery - Titirangi
Kumara fries and Kombucha - Orphans Kitchen
The black and white box - Film developing
Le Labo - Another 13 perfume oil
Favourite piece of advice:
“ To get over yourself “ - My therapist
“ If you are talking about it your halfway there “ - Family friend
Find Gabrielle on Instagram @gabstoddard
and at gabriellestoddard.com