Gina Cunningham – Art and Cake

Gina Cunningham
Los Angeles, CA
Age 68

What keeps you excited in the studio?
Gratitude to be able to work, combined with exploration and adventure.

Looking back at your trajectory as an artist, how would you say your work has developed?
After being a party girl there were other times in my life when I had to prioritize making money. When my two daughters were young, I found myself in jobs that didn’t inspire me, as my artistic projects couldn’t generate income. Now that my daughters are grown, I can focus much more on being an artist.

What role do you think the artist has in today’s society?
The world can be a confusing place, filled with tragedy and political chaos. I believe that artists can have the power to shift focus. In my own work, I address political themes such as displacement, immigration, and identity, but I also strive to incorporate elements of meditation and reflection. My goal is to go beyond being political and to create art that is poetic while addressing important moral and social issues. This is the role that I see for myself as an artist.

What’s the most important advice you could give to an aspiring artist?
Follow your dreams. Work hard and stay positive. Take chances in life. It’s not always easy but that how life works.

Does age matter in art? Why or why not?
I like old artists, the older the better.

What can we look forward to from you next?
I don’t know what I’ll do next, because taking a chance is important to my journey as an artist, and that is my freedom

Is there anything else you would like to share about being an artist later in life?
I possess greater emotional intelligence, and demonstrate increased wisdom and patience in certain situations.

http://www.ginacunningham.com
@ginacunningham