Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabrielle Peragine.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabrielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Freehold, NJ. I fell in love with New England when I attended school at Umass Amherst. When I graduated in Spring of 2015 with a BFA degree in studio art I wasn’t sure what the next step was for me. Although I’ve always felt extremely lucky to have multiple passions in my life, I’ve always struggled balancing my love of art with my love of dance. I have been a dancer my whole life and with the pressure of time, I decided to put my career in art on hold to pursue dance as much as I can while I am young and in my prime. I moved to New York City in august 2015 to start auditioning with my twin sister who also is a dancer. We nannyed to support ourselves. After 10 months of auditions every day, I was getting tired of all the “nos” I understand how competitive the dance industry is, but I started doubting my choices post-graduation. Having a lot of friends still in Boston, I was convinced to leave New York for a bit and move to a different city. I wanted change- I thought maybe that’s exactly what I needed. I was always amazing with kids so I started applying to teaching jobs up here. I decided to take the biggest risk of my life and sign a lease without any plan or job. Then the Celtics dance team auditions in NYC were posted. I decided to give it my all and go. What’s one more audition right? I was absolutely ecstatic when I was asked to come to finals in Boston just a few weeks later. On my very first weekend officially moved into Boston, I made the Boston Celtics dance team. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. After all the rejection, I was finally rewarded with a yes. Shortly after that I started teaching at a preschool full time. After a year I decided I was finally ready to pursue a career in art. I left the preschool and got a job as an interior design company called sonder. 2 months later, I was laid off. As thankful as I am to still be dancing for the Celtics (it’s my second year now) I needed to feel the fulfillment and consistency of a full time job. While interviewing I decided to fully submerge myself into my love for art, I got my own work studio in south Boston, have participated in multiple art shows throughout Boston, sell my work in prints and t shirts both online and through personal connections/social media and also work at a fine art gallery part time. I realized that no matter how many risks I’ve taken in my life, and how many times things may have seemed incredibly difficult, I’ve found that with the right mindset and attitude, everything will always work out. I am so grateful for every decision I’ve made throughout my life thus far, and for all the lessons I’ve learned and sacrifices I’ve made to be where I am now. Although I’m still interviewing and trying to find exactly what I want to do, I am dancing and engulfing myself in art every single day. The most important thing you can ever do is do what you love. I hope everyone finds what it is they love and isn’t afraid to take the risks to pursue what makes them truly happy. Life is too short not to.
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?
Constant rejections and re directions. Thinking I’ve wanted a job that I actually really didn’t. Being scared to sell my art, getting laid off. etc., etc.
Please tell us about Gabrielle Marie Art.
I have my own etsy account called GMP art. I also sell my work through social media like Instagram, to my friends and family, friends of friends, people who’ve seen my work at art shows I’ve participated in, etc… I think what sets me apart from others is my bravery for using art as a way to support myself. Not only financially but mentally and emotionally as well. I feel people are often afraid to express themselves which makes me sad. I want people to have the courage to do the things that truly make them happy.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Anything involving dancing or drawing. Growing up my parents called me “doodles” because all I ever did was draw…. even on the walls which my parents definitely weren’t happy about. I also remember being on stage for the first time. My sister and I did a tap dance to “hot hot hot” and had on these ridiculous frilly pink, orange and yellow outfits. Instead of following along with the dance teacher assistant, I decided to do my own thing…. I had the audience going wild because of my rebellious behavior. Meanwhile, my sister executed every move perfectly next to me. Looking back now I felt so bad for my parents spending so much money on dance classes only for me to do my own dance in the corner of the stage!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabriellemarieart.squarespace.com
- Email: peraginag@gmail.com
@lindsayhite
Image Credit:
Brian Babineau, Maddy Wells, Justin Hammond, Nick Cosky, Lindsay Hite, Robert Blanchflower, Patrick Daly
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