Local StoriesMarch 14, 2023

Daily Inspiration: Meet Gia Nold

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gia Nold.

Hi Gia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’d like to start by mentioning I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. My mother started her own business when I was growing up so that might have been a source of inspiration to have mine. I believe I have wanted to be in the arts since I was in third grade.

As a child, I loved creating stories, drawing, painting, and teaching. I moved to the states as a teenager. Soon after, I started my career and a family. I chose to live in Colorado because of its inspirational beauty. To this day, I am grateful to say I live in a peaceful place surrounded by mother nature and I want to keep it this way!

After I graduated from college and got my MFA, I taught for 25 years. I have taught mostly Language Arts and Visual Arts in Denver Public Schools. Over all those years, I kept working hard, teaching and exploring the direction of my life. I kept that inner-child mind who was curious and passionate about creating art! I wrote poetry and took many classes in art and contemplative practices.

I participated in many art projects as a student, teacher, artist, and poet. They all gave me new inspiration and developing goals. About 6 years before my recent retirement, I started contemplating the idea of starting my own art business. First, I didn’t want to live in the city anymore, so I looked for places that would be satisfying to me as an artist. My husband and I settled for Evergreen. I have my studio space on my property.

During the pandemic, I produced quite a bit of artwork while I continued teaching virtually and in person. The year before my retirement, I started to sell my art in various shows and my studio. After my retirement in June 2022, I officially started my art business creating my website and producing eclectic, fun artwork the way I always wanted it. I love creating pieces that focus on both nature and imagination.

In addition, my work explores concepts that can deepen awareness of the self, life, and environment. In other words, my business keeps me loving the arts, and being the artist & teacher who explores ideas for people who like to add a spark of my creativity to their life!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, starting a new business has its rewards and challenges. There is a lot to learn; starting from the tips and tricks of technology, especially if you want to sell online. Learning how to price and market my art pieces takes research and work. Making the proper decisions about where to display my work is a huge challenge. Not every studio, shop or gallery is the right fit for the work. Also, gallery representation and art shows can get expensive.

Budgeting for art shows and not knowing if the work will sell is a risk. However, so far it has never been a waste of time. It’s always a learning experience! I’m experiencing that in my type of business, there is exclusivity, meaning there are people who like to buy one-of-a-kind work, not reproductions or prints. However, in this business, I try to have pieces for all pockets. I do sell prints and greeting cards but ONLY from some of my paintings.

I also sell some of my photography cards, greeting cards, and prints on consignment and wholesale prices to shops in the surrounding areas. Setting an appointment to visit various shops/galleries “in person” is an effective way to sell art. Most shop owners like to see my portfolio with the works I offer at wholesale prices. They like local artists and unique works! So far, I still have a lot to learn in my business but I enjoy what I do and celebrate every opportunity to learn and move to the next level.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am mostly a 2D artist. Currently, owner of Time Pieces Studio in Evergreen, Colorado. Most of my training has been in 2D, 3D, photography, and clay works. I’m an oil, acrylic, ink, mixed media, and photography artist. I’m passionate about contemplative processes, exploring awareness, compassion, wisdom, and a way to heal with art-making.

I am also a poet and feel my paintings are metaphors- there is poetry in them. Perhaps this is the fact that makes my work interesting! I love experimenting with playful processes and ideas to discover new outcomes! In addition, I am open to teaching private art lessons or group workshops in my community or virtually. An idea creator, a storyteller, a poet, a teacher who seeks out discovery and keeps an inner child in me- this is what I am at best!

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance! I struggle with the ups and downs of life, but I remain positive and focused on my goals. I enjoy what I do and keep on discovering!

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.timepiecesstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianold/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085208766669
Twitter: https://twitter.com/timepiecesstd
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/timepiecesstudio/

Image Credits
Center for the Arts, Evergreen Windsor Museum

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