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Multitalented artist learned to experiment out of necessity

Gabriela Muñoz's expressive art

In the diverse visions and mediums of Gabriela Muñoz, the concept of necessity is a mandate as demanding as destiny.

Born in the state of Chihuahua, Muñoz inherited Mexico’s "Todo es posible" attitude and imagination.

"When I lived in Mexico, making art was a luxury, because it was expensive," says the 26-year-old artist. "There was really no money. I used to make art out of tin cans because they were around. We used to make our own toys. We’d make miniature cemeteries, with little crosses out of twigs. We used to bury our marbles."

A 45-piece solo show of ceramics, paintings and prints at downtown Phoenix’s MonOrchid gallery that ended in late August showcased Muñoz in her myriad expressions. Her work, which sold well at MonOrchid, can also be seen at the downtown Phoenix ASU Mercado campus the first Friday of October throughout the month.

The show theme was La Puerta. A real gate that matched the American idea of a white picket fence around the ideal home displayed the words "USA: pasenle" -- an ironic invitation considering the current ugly mood against immigrants in the United States.

La Sirena, a ceramic, is a Muñoz work in which the concept of doing what it takes is evident. In Sirena, a Mexican woman transforms into a mermaid to get across the Rio Grande.

"It’s an example of ‘you gotta find your own way, be what you gotta be.’" Muñoz says. "Instead of walking across the border on the bridge, she can swim across."

Muñoz’s own sense of necessity – and lack of money – led her to experiment with the different mediums in which she has worked: drawings, stone carvings, prints, oil paintings, ceramics, mixed media and murals.

She says that while studying sculpture at South Mountain High School, she learned how to carve stone. Not being able to afford carving tools led her to start making prints. Not having enough to buy a printmaking machine pushed her into ceramics, where she used the print blocks, and oil painting, because it was cheaper, and so on.

"There are no limits, really. I find it very liberating, because you get to explore new styles and mediums," she says of her talent for making something out of nothing – another propensity from her native land of the ingenious minds and hands.

"We all have keys, and we have to find the keys to empower ourselves," she says.

For information about Munoz’s upcoming exhibitions, contact her at la_gabbina@hotmail.com.