Meet Gabriela Klerian | Visual Artist (STUDIOKLERIAN)

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

Hi Gabriela, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in a family where architecture and design played an important role. My mother introduced me to the world of art during our travels, and since a young age I felt the need to explore that artistic side in me. At 11 years old I went on a trip to Italy. When I set foot in Florence, something clicked inside me, and it was in that moment I decided that I wanted to live in that city and study something “art related”. Back then I didn’t know what that would really look like. Years later I followed my heart, returned to Florence, and I obtained a college degree in Painting and Artistic Graphics from the Istituto per l’Arte e il Restauro and found my real passion. I then returned home and got a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design with focus on Interior Design in Mexico City.

Since then, life took me on a great journey, at times not along that artistic path. For certain periods, my work as consultant and my kids became the focus of all my energy and creative output. Nonetheless, I’ve always managed to continue being close to my passion, and for the past years I’ve been fully immersed in my painting through the creation of STUDIOKLERIAN.

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.
I was initially trained in representational drawing techniques, in a program with its roots in the great classical painting traditions of Europe. Through the years, I’ve evolved in my artistic journey and today, I consider myself an abstract artist. Nonetheless my current paintings are still inspired by the figurative skills and tradition from my initial training.

Some years ago. while living in New York City, I was deeply inspired by the city vibe, plural culture, amazing art, and the unique aesthetic proposals you are continuously exposed to. I then created a coherent body of work, very different form my previous collections, that I released in 2020 and got a great response. I have continued painting ever since and feel more excited than ever about the creative process.

My goal is to express, in a subtle and stylish way, the beauty and intensity of emotions through different mixed media techniques. For me, everything is about the experience; the unique relation that each person establishes with the painting. Each artwork walks you through a special journey of colors, textures, typography, symbols, layers and strokes.

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 believe Houston and the surrounding area have a lot to offer for people with different interests. I would start with a stroll through the Museum District, and Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden. Then a visit to the MFAH. My personal favorite is the Nancy and Rich Kinder Building which is breathtaking, and the modern and contemporary exhibitions there are beautiful. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the vibe of the Mies van der Rohe building which is iconic. A must for me would also be the Menil Main Building and the Cy Twombly Gallery. You could spend hours just contemplating the extra-large scale pieces and their relationship with the space designed by Renzo Piano. Finish the tour walking into the Rothko Chapel. There is no further explanation needed. You’ll see. And you can never go wrong with a cold beer or a fresh Chardonnay at one of the restaurants or bars in the Montrose Neighborhood. My personal favorite: Postino.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Today I am an artist, designer, mother of three amazing humans and spouse to a supportive husband and great business partner.

I am grateful to my parents who planted the artistic interest in me at an early age, and gave me the opportunity to find my passion in Italy and live in Spain for a while.

My husband and kids have also been an important part of my story. Together we have jumped into family adventures living in Mexico (where I was born and raised), and the West Coast, the East Coast, and the Gulf Coast of the US. These experiences abroad have shaped my personal and aesthetic perspectives, which I believe are reflected in my work.

Instagram: @studioklerian

Other: studioklerian@gdiventures.com