We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabby Fenimore and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabby, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Both of my parents are musicians and lovers of art, so I grew up around great music, books, and movies. I was encouraged to pursue my creativity, whether it was to participate in choir, audition for local theater, dance, fashion design (yes, that was a legitimate phase,) pick up a camera, or whatever else my heart desired. So, there has really never been a time in my life where I pictured myself doing anything outside of the arts.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been exposed to and pursued different kinds of art my entire life, so I always have a difficult time classifying myself as any one type of artist. However, I have adopted a couple of taglines I associate with the 2 main facets of my work.
As it pertains to me, Gabby, a working creative, I like to say that I am always just “indulging in imagination.” Under that umbrella, I am a professional dancer, an actor, a writer, and whatever other hats I get the chance to try on: styling, directing, sometimes a bit of (very modest) cinematography. My life is a mixture of training, self-tapes, and travel and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In terms of me, Gabby, a photographer, my aim is always to “capture life in all its glory.” I began shooting senior portraits and family photos for friends when I was 16. In the past couple of years, I’ve shot weddings, headshots, live performances, dancers, and a plethora of other sorts of artists. It is a joy to meet and create with so many different people; to meet them where they’re at and try to help them see themselves and their stories through the lens that I do.
Overall, what I find to be the constant force for whatever I do is my love for stories; whether it’s one I’m telling on my own or someone else’s behalf. Journeys are significant in my life both literally and figuratively, as I love to travel and I love to watch and be part of all of life’s different journeys, imaginary or not.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am currently living between Nashville and Atlanta! If you came to visit me in Nashville, I’d have to admit that I am still somewhat of a tourist myself. However, my roommate and I would insist that you join us for Wine Wednesday at the Village Pub in east or for what I deem a highly superior late-night sip-n-snack at Inglewood Lounge. In Georgia, I’d probably ask you to get coffee (my life force) at the Corner Cup- a locally owned and run business in Tucker, GA that was always full of love, kind people, and good coffee. (Try the “Bee Naughty.” You’re welcome.)
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In 2015, I attended a debut summer program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts called the “Commercial Dance Intensive.” I had no idea that it would be the reason I am doing what I am doing today. In the weeks I spent there, I danced and made friends as I had at other dance intensives and events, but what was revolutionary about it was that I learned what it actually means to be a working dancer: how to live a sustainable and fulfilling life as an artist and how endless the possibilities are for an artist who has the tools to carry themselves as more than just a person providing a service and instead as a living and breathing business deserving of integrity. We studied 10+ styles of dance and markets. We learned choreography and practiced taxes. One morning we might be “auditioning” for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, then for the Rockettes in the afternoon and shooting a music video in the evening. I left feeling inspired and equipped, something I hadn’t recognized to be possible in the life of an artist. A couple of years later as a senior in high school, I attended as a work-study, which provided an even deeper layer of learning as I prepared to go to college for dance (and then leave college to pursue dance, ha!) What started as a small group of us in that little program amidst a school focused on classical, conservatory-style dance has now become an ever-growing and highly regarded dance intensive, taking place all over the country and building an army of love and creativity. Casey Noblett, Cassidy Noblett, and Melissa Strain- I am eternally grateful!
Instagram: @gabbyfenimore @gfenimorephoto @thoughtsfeelingswhatever @gabbygabspodcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzvsccjnui_Y7o0mWQtq5HQ
Image Credits
Photos of me taken by Izzie Huljev, Darvensky Louis, and Elinor Fenimore.