Meet Gloria Dotie | Mixed Media Artist

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

Hi Gloria, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I love seeing my creative visions come to life. I am a huge crafter and it wasn’t my intention to go into the arts. I wanted to be a writer, big business exec, or entrepreneur. I was once on track for law school.  I would always rearrange or redecorate my room then I started to do the same at my mom’s home.  I loved making things look beautiful.  I developed a love for creating things after my daughter was born. I began making hair accessories for her and one craft led to another. It was after my company decided to do a reduction in workforce that I decided to see where my talents would take me and it has been a great journey!! Some days I don’t believe this is my life.  I can’t see myself doing anything else outside of the arts. I began teaching the art of acrylic pouring early 2020 and it has become another passion of mine.

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 art varies across different spectrums. I am a bling artist, jewelry maker, hair accessory maker, teacher, painter, event stylist, tea party planner and host, just an overall crafter.  My latest work is what most call geodes.  I like to refer to them as embellished canvas art. I am most proud of this art because I never saw myself as an artist or painter of any sort. This skill came definitely by trial and error. The first time I tried it I failed and put the materials away for months! I decided to paint again with my daughter live on Facebook and people started asking if I would paint something for them. I was happy and scared at the same time. Happy that they loved what I created and scared I wouldn’t be able to do it again. What sets me apart is my urge to be different. I look all over for the materials I use.  I don’t know how many hours I spend online researching supply vendors.  Details are extremely important and I’m big on focal points.  I want the eye to be drawn in instantly.  I’m not afraid to try new things or create things that may not appeal to everyone. Every piece of art has its own audience and knowing this made me want to do more. I’m excited that so many people have chosen me to create art for their homes and offices. As of now my canvas art is in 11 states. My goal is to be in all 50 by the end of 2021. Word of mouth and Facebook has helped me get to where I am. I have spent many hours studying, practicing, and executing my resin artwork as well as my other crafts. I want the world to know I love what I do and it’s my aim for them to love everything I do for them. I pride myself on the uniqueness of my talents and I hope it shows in my work. My brand is my everything. I put my all into my work! I want everyone to see my work and say, “yep Gloria definitely made that” before seeing the label.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start in Downtown Dallas. We’d have mimosas at the Woolworth, the Dahlia, and a few other cute places.  Rooftops spots are the best! Dallas is full of Instagram worthy photos so of course we’d tour the area and take several photos. I’m big on brunch so places like the Vidorra, Bistro 31, Mesero, the Statler (not all Downtown) are great places to eat. For live music we’d go to the Lava Cantina on Sunday for cool, grown and sexy patio vibes. For music at night during the week we would go to The FreeMan or Sandaga.  I’m anywhere the music, arts, and good vibes are and that’s where you will always find me. My friends and I are always looking for new and cool spots so this is only a snippet of the places we’d go!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am very thankful for my mom. She has always encouraged me to use my talents, not only does she encourage me but she supports me financially by contributing to my business without my asking.  If I have an event she’s there asking how she can help. She’s always asking if I need anything or how business is going. When I wasn’t sure of what I was going to do she was my sounding board. She deserves all of the recognition!!

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