Check Out Gianna Tesone’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna Tesone.

Hi Gianna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up with the innate desire to create. I always had my hands on something. From my mom’s lipstick all over the bathroom mirrors and doors to imaginary creatures made out of craft materials to large drawings and paintings all over the concrete basement walls, I had an early passion for making art. I never let this fire die, and my family didn’t either. I was fortunate enough to be in an environment where I could explore this gift, and was encouraged to do so.

I took my first art class at the age of eight and the momentum built from there. I continued to take art and studio classes all the way through high school, and up until my senior year I never thought of making something I loved but just considered a hobby into a vocation. It was at my senior visual arts showcase where I sold my first painting, a beautiful abstract triptych, and thought to myself: “Why WOULDN’T I make this into a career?”Instead of pursuing a degree in the medical field, which I thought was a reasonable and wise thing to do, I chose to study Fine Arts in college.

Choosing to jump in and devote four years of schooling to learning more about the art world while fine-tuning my craft was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Now, I proudly hold a BA in Fine Arts from Point Loma Nazarene University. There I learned more about honing in on concepts, embodying the essence of creativity, and letting my own voice stand out with pure originality. Since graduating in May 2020, I have shown with a handful of galleries and museums in San Diego, taught classes and workshops, completed many private commissions as well as a couple of public murals, First Friday Art Walks, and soon showing with local Denver galleries.

Aside from the more formal side of the art world, I actively collaborate with other creatives on photography and video projects, as well as immersive art events.

Alright, 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?
Yes and no. I have come across innumerable opportunities throughout my life as an artist that has helped further my career, but those opportunities can be missed if you have not done the work to prepare. It’s a “right time at the right place” type of thing.

The talent will always be there but only get you so far. It is up to you whether or not you want to be good or be great. Even then, it is a constant uphill battle to advocate and protect your passion. This is a unique path to take, and not everyone will understand, so of course, there will be doubt and pushback. Let the opinions of others get to your head and you’ll crash and burn. I had to learn that I don’t create for anyone but me and the One who gave me this gift.

If you fully believe in your abilities, it will never be impossible to make it. You can’t have a plan B if you want to pursue a creative life. The western work culture of hustle and achievement has not favorably supported this way of life and thinking, but it makes it so much sweeter when it all comes together after you have pressed into the struggle, and done the work to make your life one of purpose and beauty.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My practice is unlike any other because I am interdisciplinary and multi-hyphenated by nature, and have never been one to fit into a single mold or category. Being passionate about arts and athletics sets me apart as an individual. My background in competitive team sports and current position as a strength and conditioning coach compliments my artist career and vice versa and brings new insight to the other in ways I could’ve never imagined.

As an artist, I work primarily in abstraction and expressionism. My pieces are large, bold, and gestural and communicate concepts and ideas that evoke a visceral and emotional response from the viewer that goes beyond the spoken or written word. There is purpose and intention behind every mark, color, and movement as I am influenced by physical movement and ethereal experience. As an athlete and coach, I am acutely aware of not only my body but others’ so I can better improve the overall state of being through a physical platform as well as developing mental tenacity to overcome adversity.

I am hugely inspired by the concept that we as human beings are made of mind, body, and soul, and one facet is not inferior or superior to the other. There is an art to everything we put our hands to if we choose to see it this way. Fine arts and athletics are just two of the platforms I use to reach others and make an impact. Fully embracing these two beautiful disciplines has allowed me to experience life in ways that only I can. Suppressing the truest parts of myself would lead me to easily “fit in.” I would rather live a life of unique purpose and calling, break boundaries and change lives than fall into conformity.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m sure others can relate to this, but music greatly impacts how I work and how well or efficiently I work. Whether it’s in the studio, coaching, working out, or simply busywork, I have a playlist dedicated to almost any and every scenario and mood with certain experiences and events specifically curated with songs that speak into those moments. Music is certainly another form of expression and method of unity and connection among people, so I want.

Maybe a bit nerdy, but I believe what we take in through ANY of our senses greatly influences our subconscious and mental function. I have done studies where I experiment with how different genres of music impact my creative process and the outcome of a painting. For one project a few years ago in undergrad, I played classical music while painting and let nothing but the music dictate the flow of the brush. I took note of how I felt during the process and what effect the finished piece gave off. I was clear-minded, in tune with my emotions, and aware of my how my body was moving during the process.

There was an elegant cohesiveness to the piece, with subtle neutral tones and pops of color. This was pure evidence that I had been in a “flow state.” Adversely, I put on my classic and alternative rock playlist to see what’d happen, if anything. During this, I was a bit more anxious, impulsive, and passionate. The colors used were darker, more aggressive and the overall composition of the piece was chaotic and slightly confusing. The differences between the two pieces were simply astounding.

I do not consider one piece better than the other, but both speak into the other in ways that bring light to a greater concept at hand: the need to pay attention to the incredible impact that our surroundings have on us subconsciously. The awareness of being of sound mind, body, and soul influences the way that I work and live.

I am still greatly inspired by this crossover of passions, and excited to be soon participating in a group gallery show here in Denver, October 8th at BRDG Project, centered around the idea born out of the conversation and a passion to bring the performing arts and fine arts together in connected and meaningful expression.

Contact Info:

• Email: gtesoneart@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.giannatesone.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannatesone/

Image Credits
Jackie Nunnally and Dylan Nelson