Meet Gabrielle Johnson: Model & Colorful Dreamer

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

Hi Gabrielle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I Think of myself as a Storyteller when describing my artwork: modeling, poetry, creative direction, photographs, I consider my outlets as chapters within my story. I have a saying “ Life is the canvas, and every interaction is a brush”. Referring to myself as a storyteller stems from an unforgettable art class. Every morning my Art teacher would assign an art piece or photograph from an influential artist. We were instructed to create our own story or as my teacher would say “ Step into the art and allow your visions to guide you.” I found myself in love with the idea of being able to bring my own story to life. With such depth as a young age, I took this approach and applied it my life. My Artwork takes explores the view of self-love and everything that comes along with it , the days you feel beautiful and proud, the cloudy days, the nights you spend on the porch wondering why you come find yourself in the situations that cause you to question your existence as a whole. I turned my trials and tribulations into climaxes because what is a chapter book without excitement and turmoil? My work produces a guide to the younger females even the younger males struggling to figure out how to maneuver through this world with our melanin superpowers and having a mind of full of dreams that only you could comprehend. Being a creative, you begin to view the world differently than most.
There is such a thing as beautiful self-destruction and I found Storytelling and Art as my body armor. I consider my projects as chapters that consist of many different views of my life, social , cultural , self-love , relationships, I have always been told in this world that demands of you to be a strong black woman I have been told that my vulnerability will always be my superpower, so I work to guarantee that art reflects my story, I knew that I would only create art that would be used as inspiration for the next child in front of hat computer desk or magazine curious about life and how to approach that first page. I found my masterpiece I defined my story.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

It took a lot for me to even share my story to the public, but the way that the world is moving now, we must stand up. I knew it was time I see younger black girls and boys that struggle I see younger black girls and boys that struggle with love and understanding self-discovery, I want to teach them the ways in which they should go. Help them turn from the depths of destruction because they do not feel there is someone standing for them rooting for them to succeed, I wish to be that person on that pathway guiding them to dig deep and find their own personal creative outlets. I had to own the beauty within my disaster. My wish is for whomever views my modeling, poetry, my creative direction feels inspired and safe viewing. I wish for my story to be viewed from the raw aspect and know that in this journey of being a black creative I remained true to myself and my purpose within my passion.
I created a platform for younger girls and boys to know that they are going to win their journey of self-discovery and that someone is always advocating for their creative dreams. I want to give that stargazer the chance to find themselves and follow what many may consider an unrealistic dream. But for a creative you can never take away our dreams. I know that this is my destiny, and I am ready to advocate for that dreamer in the back of the class with colorful dreams and a higher purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my city park settings , Frick park ,Riverview park , as a younger child I always found my happiness in parks. you take your friends to the park but If you are truly close to me ,you will know that I often would choose a hidden spot in nature that will block out the world I love the city but the ability I have to find peace in nature I will always chose a picnic in the park rather than a ride through the city

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I first want to show love to Chi IIochi, A true friend and sincere believer. it is hard to come from a city that does not have the same abilities as a place like New York , or Los Angeles. But I am blessed to know so many hidden gems throughout my city. we bring our dreams to life. I am thankful for having such a strong loving family. My story is vibrant due to every experience good or bad I know with my family on my side I will truly prevail.

Instagram: Gabriellec______

Image Credits
NATALIE LACEK ,DYMOND JEWELL ,TRE CHAPPELL , NILRAC