About the Artist ...
Gabriel Garbow grew up in the small town of Red Wing, Minnesota. He spent his early years climbing the nearby bluffs and letting his imagination wander. His love of drawing - and later painting - took him to New York City, Las Cruces NM, Sacramento and San Francisco CA.
Today, the artist works out of his home studio in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - two dogs often under foot.
His unique style takes cues from contemporary screen prints, pop art, and turn-of-the-century book illustration. With influences including David Hockney, Douglas Simonson, David Wojnarowicz, and Winslow Homer, Garbow’s own work takes inspiration from both high and ‘low’ art. His paintings are known for blending peace, energy, playfulness, and intimacy. Recent series have focused on men outdoors and couples in more domestic settings.
Artist Statement
My artwork often incorporates images of figures in water to evoke playfulness, connection, and contemplation. These scenes relate to each of our lives differently, while also reflecting - quite literally - the mingling of emotions that make up the human experience. I apply watercolor to paper with a combination of spontaneity and control for a crisp yet natural feel.
My attraction to these themes stems from childhood days at the beach in the land of 10,000 lakes, as well as trips to the east coast with my family. These were moments of communion with nature and the people around me. Moments that I intensely looked forward to, but which were also fraught with feelings of isolation. It is my aim to evoke similar memories for the viewer - complicated states of being that connect us far beyond the simple depiction of beauty and leisure.