Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Black.
Gina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Back in 2014, I was making a lot of changes in my life. One of the biggest changes was starting a new series of abstract paintings. I was painting pretty frequently at the time and showcasing my work from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Abstract was new and I had a little trouble getting inspiration. I started looking to nature for ideas and began collecting things like crystals, bones, insect wings, and other oddities. I looked at the natural geometric and organic shapes to inspire my paintings. Before I knew it, I had amassed a large collection of objects that really took on a whole new meaning for me. I made a necklace for myself from butterfly wings and just about every time I wore it someone would ask where they could buy it. I made a few things here and there and the inquiries kept coming so I ran with it. Now five years later I’m doing jewelry as my main artistic focus with Gina Black Art. The inspiration from nature is still the same; however, my canvas has evolved to wearable works.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road. I started out doing pop up shops around south Florida. That stuff is TOUGH! Mad respect to the crafting community that does this every weekend! You spend hours preparing, load in and out with super heavy materials, and sometimes you make ten bucks. Those days were hard on me mentally. I felt like giving up often. But eventually, I found the right events and my online shop started to pick up a little traction. Every sale is appreciated no matter the amount. I little piece of my heart goes into all of my creations.
Gina Black Art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My work is inspired by all the earthbound energies from nature. My style dances between gypsy, witchy, and hippie depending on my mood.
I would say my most popular jewelry pieces are my butterfly wing lockets. I source the wings from sanctuaries that sell the insects after they pass naturally. It’s actually quite beautiful really since the proceeds benefit the living insects at the sanctuaries. Wearing a locket is a beautiful way of honoring the butterfly and feeling closer to Mother Nature in the process.
I recently started making smudge bundles from ethically sourced farm-grown sage, and various local flowers. These bundles can be burned to cleanse a space of negative energies.
I think what sets me apart is my dedication to my customers and their satisfaction. Each piece is handmade and OOAK so they know they will never see the same piece on someone else!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I feel success is finding happiness in what you do. Money doesn’t define this for me. I find joy in creating and it’s a huge happy-dance moment when another human feels inclined to want to own my pieces. That’s a rush that never ceases to excite me. That’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: Etsy.com/shop/ginablackart
- Instagram: @ginablack_Art
Image Credit:
The pictures with models are shot by GraceFace Photography
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