Why an artist?
There is a certain freedom for me when I paint. I put on music and tune out the world, as I enter another one full of colors and images that I create. I attempt with each creation to evoke which ever emotion that calls to me at the time. If someone views my art and evokes their own emotion from it, than I have accomplished my goal.
Why did you create your "Faeries of Color" series?
In early 2007, during one of those moments of artistic self doubt, I asked myself the question “What’s so special about your art?” I had no answer. This was a bit upsetting to me. I love fantasy art, in particular fairy art. And I love looking at the wonderful fantasy artists’ work out there (some of you may be reading this now…thank you, you are my inspiration). I had seen so many special qualities in all of the artists work out there. So, I continued to ask, "Where were my special qualities, what makes my art unique and more importantly, what makes my art a reflection of me?" Be careful when you ask those types of questions, because you might just get an answer. My answer came like a freight train or as I like to think of it, my muse hit my upside the head with something very hard, saying “Look in the mirror, idiot!” As some of you may know from looking at my website, various online forums and appearances, I am a woman of color (I am a mixed race mutt...lol). I suddenly realized that racial diversity seemed to be missing in Fairy Art. Who better than an artist of a multitude of races to bring this to such a wonderful genre of art? So, my Faeries of Color were born. As a child, I always loved fantasy books and movies, but I also noticed that there was never anyone in them that looked like me. The Faeries of Color is for all of us that felt that way at one time or another a longing to "fit in", no matter what race you are . Going forward I will be continuing on this journey of racial diversity in my fairy art.
Why do you paint fantasy?
I have always loved fantasy and the idea that what the human eye sees is not all that exists in this world. Fantasy has allowed me to tap into those worlds and bring them to life.
Have you always been and artist?
Well, yes and no. In 1989 I
attended art school. As much as I loved art back then, I had no desire
to work in graphic design or advertising. The internet did not really
exist back then either, so it was much harder for a fine artist to
distribute their work.
Throughout the early 1990's I was an
accomplished classical singer and performed several roles with opera
companies throughout New England.
While performing,
I went back to school to study Clinical Psychology. I
eventually became a counselor, working with adults, teens and
eventually specializing in eating disorders in a Psychiatric hospital.
I
came full circle in 2003 and began working on my art again. This
has been my full-time career since 2005.
How do you come up with your ideas?
Ideas are all around me. Most often I find inspiration in books, music and sometimes in simple phrases that randomly pop into my mind.
Do you paint just fantasy/fairy art?
While I love fantasy and the world of the fey. I am also passionate about writing for children and young adults. I hope to one day be able to devote more of my time to the craft of storytelling.
I would like to paint african american faeries/black faeries/ethnic fairies. May I call them "Faeries of Color"?
I am sorry, but no. The "Faeries of Color™" name is trademarked and used exclusively for The Art of Giovanna ethnic faeries series. Any trademark infringements will be prosecuted.
Do you take commissions?
I am sorry, but no. While I am humbled and appreciate your interest in my artwork, I have found that as my business has grown, I am no longer able to do artwork by request.
Do you license any of your artwork? If so to whom?
I do license my artwork for use on quality products. Please feel free to contact me at giovanna@artofgiovanna.com if you are interested in discussing licensing my artwork. I am currently licensed with: Ellen Million Graphics, Heaven and Earth Designs, Mystical Art, Fantasy Magyk Ecards, Magnetic Fantasies, Munro Gifts, Coriale Enterprises. My artwork can also be found in stores around the country.
Do you offer your products for wholesale?
Wholesale orders are welcome! Prints from The Art of Giovanna are available to eligible retailers and resellers at wholesale prices. There is a minimum order amount, and your tax ID number will be required. Please feel free to contact AOG at wholesale@artofgiovanna.com for additional pricing and ordering information.
What do you use to paint?
Mostly watercolor, although you'll find, digital paintings and pencil in my galleries. For the digital paintings I use Photoshop and a Wacom tablet. As for the watercolors, I use Windsor-Newton cake and tube paints and colored pencil. I love using Arches 140-300 lb watercolor paper in hot press.
How big are your paintings?
Watercolors can be anywhere from 8x10 inches to 14x20 inches. I tend to get bored with a piece if I work on it for too long, so I do not like to go very large. My digital paintings I do at about 300ppi 8x10 inches.
How long does it take you to finish a painting?
My watercolor paintings can take anywhere from a couple of hours to many months. It depends greatly on the size and complexity of the image.
Will You Personalize my Piece?
Sure. Just email me your request. I'll say whatever you'd like on your piece: "Happy Birthday", a personal quote, whatever you'd like! I will also sign prints.
