Gabrielle Tolliver is a visual artist basing her work primarily in abstraction. Tolliver’s compositions aim to incorporate elements of nature, the human form, emotions, and their relationships. The primary mediums of these works include acrylic paint, watercolor, and ink. 

During her studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Tolliver’s work developed through washes. Each wash is allowed to interact freely with its material and is adjusted through a meditative process of improvisation. By combining intuitive creation and strategic arrangement, the compositions are able to display the beauty of organic forms, juxtapose them with geometric shapes, and speak to their interactions. This careful arrangement of various layers invites the viewer to dive deeply into each piece and reflect on the suggested themes. 

Tolliver has showcased work at the Ogden Museum, CICA Museum, M.A.D.S Art Gallery, Ashe Cultural Art Center, and Studio BE. She is also a recipient of grants from the National Performance Network Take Notice Fund, Antenna Artist Grant, Art Council New Orleans Individual Artist Grant, and New Orleans Youth Alliance Rebuilding Our Village Fund. 

Describe your art in three words.

Meditative, Personal, Experimental 

Describe yourself in one word.

Unorthodox

What do you love the most about creating art in New Orleans? What particular part of your immediate environment, in your neighborhood specifically influences your work?

My favorite part of creating in New Orleans is being surrounded by a deeply rooted culture. Through conversations and interactions with different people, I can find new perspectives to create from. Nature always aids in my creative process so any nature trail or park in the city influences my work. 

Describe your creative process. Are there any rituals or rites of passage you exercise before you begin a new piece?

My creative process begins with a meditative period to reflect on my thoughts and feelings surrounding a given theme. Due to my work being centered around evoking emotions, this period is crucial to my process. I reflect on these topics in a multitude of ways such as journaling, holding discussions with peers, and meditating. After this period of reflection, I begin to create automatic drawings. This is where I allow these feelings to work themselves out on paper. From these automatic pieces, I create my compositions through a cut and collage process. Here, I chose parts of these original pieces that either complement or juxtapose each other to create a conversation between different layers. These layers are used to invite the audience in to reflect and converse with others about the suggested theme. 

Where do you draw inspiration?

I draw inspiration from nature, my own healing journey, and different conversations with peers. 

Who are your artistic influences or gurus?

Ron Bechet, Sam Gilliam, Octavia Butler, and Helen Frankenthaler 

In New Orleans, art and music go hand in hand. What type of music, band or song lyric best describes your work?

Radiohead- In Rainbows

Where can we find you when you are not creating art?

When I’m not creating I’m usually in nature. 

What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?

My favorite time of the year is spring time. Great weather, great food, and great festivals. 

What is something people don’t know about you? A fun fact.

Before beginning my career in painting, I was a multidisciplinary dancer for 11 years. 

All works listed online are available to be viewed with artist by appointment.

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