Meet Gabe Torres: Contemporary Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabe Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabe, how does your business help the community?
I think my work is an example of not letting your past and present define you; you can be who/what you want to be. Although I am African American and female and proud, I use this platform to vocalize that you do not have to be compartmentalized. Blur the lines. I identify as a person and an artist, before anything, a person that encompasses a mother and a woman of color, yet I prefer not to let these classifications be my identity. For my women out there, moms, and people of color, this message needs to be reiterated. We are more than that our past that confines us. My community needs to see and hear this; the world does as well. This message and way of life is not limited to these classifications stated above; no matter who you are and where you come from, you are you alone; you have the power to surpass labels yet be inclusive of them—breaking down these constructs is the key to moving forward in life. My business is a symbol of my mindset.

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.
My work is a subconscious surf through materiality. It plays into the want to break down constructs and defies social normalities. The oeuvre does encompass race, social class, and maternity, yet it is not restricted to these things. I use my appreciation for environmental issues to be the building blocks for materiality choice, juxtaposing handmade looms with live plants woven through the warps and wefts. My husband and I have three kids, so to be frank, heck no, it is not easy! However, it is this very fact that gives us tunnel vision and drive. Everything we do, we do it with their interest in mind. We are raising the answers to climate control, racial issues, and so much more right under this roof, free thinkers. When challenges arise, which they do, I center my focus and remind myself why I’m doing what I do, which is in a sense to raise awareness, whether through my platform in the arts or vicariously through the beings we are raising. I want the world to know through my story is, just because you are all these things does not mean you cannot be others. One can be all-inclusive. I want my story to be an example of challenging what you think you know in life, ask questions, do not be complacent. And always, be kind to your neighbor.

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 would totally take her to the Rail pub to do Karaoke! And, of course, out to eat, given that Savannah is an up-and-coming foodie town. We would probably most definitely hit the Farm(which is not open in Savannah just yet, but if we are talking hypothetically, then there when it opens!) for dinner, maybe Local 11 Ten, and finish up food-wise at the Circa 1875. Generally, I drink things I do not make at home when I go out, so most likely, I would drink a Moscow Mule or Mojito. This is funny! I started at the end of the night, and now I am working backward! The first thing I would probably take her to do is go to the SCAD museum to see some incredible contemporary work! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shoutout my family. I have an incredible support system. My mother raised me to be a kind, driven, independent, and compassionate person. My dearest husband helps me wrestle the kiddos during graduate school and my artistic career; he is my rock. Plus, the children keep me on my toes and give me a reason to strive for a better tomorrow.

Website: www.gabrielleelizabethtorres.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.arttorres/

Other: Website will be launched by the beginning of the summer. -Gabe