"Journey Beyond the Real"

Gabriela Alvarez grew up in the mountains of Ecuador surrounded by rivers and trees. At a very young age she expressed the desire to paint through found materials, crayons and paper. She attended studies in an ancient cathedral (1700's) where she learned the craft of an unofficial Restoration Conservator. This collective of restoration peers opened the door to the entire creative process, exploration of materials, and the art scene in the Quito, The Capital City of Ecuador. Over time, Twenty year old Gabriela, was affected by the highly caustic chemicals and thinners used within restoration resulting in a fork in the road which changed the trajectory of Gabriela's life. She searched for a career to engage in a responsible stable life which was not her authentic self. During this time, she found the strength to pursue her passion for expression and art. She was accepted into the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador. For Sixteen months, Gabriela largely focused on conceptual art, with introductions to art history, ceramics and painting. She met her future husband, they lived a year in Spain, married and emigrated to the United States (2003). As a mother, Gabriela turned to her spirituality as a form of creativity.