How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as eclectic and contemporary. I like going beyond the boundaries of whats normal and think outside the box to accomplish designs that are beautiful and bold; designs that help people make a statement. I admire artists like Joan Miro, David Hockney and Zaria forman. And I admire designer Carolina Herrera and designer house Hermes.
What makes your work unique?
That each piece I create and design, whether it is one of my paintings or one of my handbags, has my very own mark of boldness through the art I create, where each one is a one of a kind. My techniques and my composition of colors, shapes and volume are not conventional yet inspiring. I am a pioneer, always pursuing the gift of uniqueness in everything I do, which is transplanted in my artwork.
What or who inspires you?
I would say anything and everything inspires me, all the time. Im constantly inspired by everything that surrounds me. But above all things, the beauty of nature inspires me the most: the glow of the mountains after a rainy afternoon, the translucent pearl white color of aspen trees with their ever moving leaves, the passion of skiers go down the slopes, the snow that covers everything in white, etc. Living in Aspen Colorado, it's very easy to find fresh new inspiration, all I need to do is open the door and go outside.
When are you most creative?
Its funny to say this, but I feel the more creative, meaning that the best ideas come to my mind, when I take a shower or go for a run.
Tell us a little about your creative process.
My creative process is very spontaneous. When I see something that inspires me or I get an idea for creating something that's cool, I either take pictures or write it down and then paint it. I really don't spend much time sketching what I am going to paint, I just go right to my canvas and start doing it when I feel the inspiration is there to motivate me.
What's the best advice you've been given?
Interesting question. It came from my grandmother, a great amazing artist herself. When I was about 10 years old, my grandma told me: "people will tell you that you should take classes to improve your artistic talent, but I tell you never take classes. Teach yourself and discover who you are as an artist and believe it. The rest is for those who need direction. You, follow your passion"
What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
I will be releasing a new collection of paintings called "Pow Pow". This collection of paintings will be all about skiers and snowboarders, skiing down the mountain on beautiful, fluffy, powder snow. In addition to that, I will have my collection of unique handbags designed by me and handcrafted in New York City. Each handbag has an original piece of artwork that I paint myself and they are one of a kind, meaning they will not b e duplicated. So say you buy the handbag called "Jump and risk" with the painting of a skier, you will be the only person to ever have that handbag with that painting. Really really cool.
Where can you be found online?
You can learn more about me on my website garaffagalli.com <http://garaffagalli.com/> and also my Instagram account isabellagaraffa_art and Facebook account GaraffaGalli