Mood Illustrator: Gabriel Reeberg
Pronouns: he/him/his
Art Submission(s): “Clown”, oil pastel and acrylic paint on wooden board
Check out More from this Artist: Instagram: @gabrielreeberg
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Gabriel started drawing when he was 18 months old, and attended art classes at CCSF. He considers his artistic experience a mix of self-taught and schooled. “I just draw what I am feeling for the most part. Looking back on past works reminds me of what was going on in my life at the time. It’s my therapy.”
We are pleased to be spotlighting Gabriel’s skill and talent in this year’s showcase through digital presentation of his painting, and an interview about his creative processes, thoughts, and advice for other creatives.
We’ll start with describing your creative work/practice: What tools do you use? Do you have a routine?
Illustrator of emotion. I use Crayon, Ballpoint Pen, Markers, and Gel Pens on card-stock.
What does your work aim to say? Why do you create?
Inner.
Who/What are your biggest influences? Who/what inspires you?
Music. At the moment 60s psychedelic music.
How do you share your creative practice and with whom?
Instagram. The world.
How have you developed your practice? What challenges and opportunities have you come across? How has your practice changed over time?
I am truly blessed to have worked with some amazingly talented people. My style has changed a lot over time. During hard times my work can be a bit dark but with the right music playing I can make something beautiful.
One of Gabriel’s dream projects? To design an album cover for a band he likes.
What are you most proud of? Why?
Designing a guitar pick for Jim Root of Slipknot because I’ve always wanted to make something for a musician who I admire.
What is your dream project?
To design an album cover for a band I like.
Has living at Foundation Communities impacted your practice? If so, how?
Having a space to work in that’s truly my own has impacted my style and productivity greatly.
What art/culture trend do you love right now? What trend do you wish you could forget?
Psychedelic music. Beanie babies.
What delights you? What brings you joy?
Music.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
It’s all just trial and error.
What is the worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
Try harder to be like someone else.
What piece of advice would you like to give?
Draw from the heart and soul.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate?
Stay up all night.
“It’s all just trial and error.”
What’s your favorite book/piece of writing, song/album, movie/TV show, play/live performance, piece of art, food/drink, place, or animal?
American gods. InAGaddaDaVida. The Dark Knight. The Tempest. Starry Night. Pizza. Austin. Cat.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? What’s the last thing you do before going to bed?
Drink a glass of water. Drink a glass of water.
For creatives to thrive, Gabriel says we need inspiration, and to start helping each other out.
Something that’s really important to you that has nothing to do with your work:
Faith.
What role do artists and culture-bearers have in society? What role could/should they have?
We should be the most important ones because we have the most important stuff to say.
What do creatives need in order to thrive? What do you need in order to be creative?
Inspiration. We’ve got to start helping each other out instead of not looking out for one another.
What was the last thing that made you: Laugh? Cry? Blush?
Laugh -Rick and Morty
Cry-The Walking Dead
Blush-Its been a minute on that one
“Culture is vast like the mini crevices of a spider’s web. Being a culture bearer means representing your niche.”
What are you really into right now?
60s music, video games, drawing
One thing/person/idea/group/event/place/etc. everyone should know about:
WeenGot
Who is an artist? What does it mean to be creative?
Got a pulse? You’re in.
What is culture? What does it mean to be a culture-bearer?
Culture is vast like the mini crevices of a spider’s web. Being a culture bearer means representing your niche.
What question didn’t we ask that you wish we had? What question do you have for other artist, creatives, and culture-bearers?
I’m not sure.
Anything else?
It doesn’t matter what you use to create what’s important is the contents of your soul.
Gabriel was one of three artists to participate in our COVID-19 PSA Poster Series.
You can see the posters at the University of Florida Center for Arts & Medicine media resource library here.
If you want to learn more about the project, you can read more here.