Tina Gavasheli
NAME :
Tina Gavasheli.
OCCUPATION :
Artist, Creative Director.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE :
Dubai.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS :
Intuitive, Driven, Curious.
WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB :
That moment when I get to work on projects, where I combine all aspects that I love: art, sound, architecture, fashion, and create something entirely my own.
ARE THERE DAYS YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO TO THE STUDIO :
Of course, there are days I don’t go. If I’m forcing it, it shows in the work. I’d rather let inspiration come back naturally than fake it.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR ARTWORKS :
I think it’s more an idea of letting go rather than a particular inspiration. Most days it’s fashion, other days it’s nature, city life, interior moodboards. I don’t try to choose between being minimal or feminine or emotional; I just let it unfold. The inspiration comes when I stop trying to control it, just following my instincts and aesthetics.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ARTISTIC MOMENT :
Standing in front of my own work and realizing it said more about me than I could have said out loud.
WHICH ARTWORK DID YOU ENJOY CREATING THE MOST :
The ones that were commissioned, created with a story I had in mind, knowing the space and client.
WHICH HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING TO CREATE :
Anything I tried to control too much or force a different aesthetic.
ARE THERE PIECES YOU WOULD NEVER SELL :
Maybe only a few early works created by important memories that marked the beginning of my style and journey.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU KNOW YOU WOULD BE AN ARTIST :
I’ve always known I’d be part of the creative world, but the idea of an artist came in my early twenties, because of my love for art history. But I also knew that if this path was meant for me, it would find me once I do the work and developed a unique voice that would be entirely my own.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS :
Modigliani is my absolute favorite, then Yves Klein, Toulouse-Lautrec, Francis Bacon, and Georgia O’Keeffe round out the list.
IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY WITH ANY ARTIST ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE :
Modigliani. I love his work, but especially the way he sees people. That idea that he wouldn’t paint someone’s eyes until he knew their soul is one of the most beautiful concepts.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GALLERY :
Hauser & Wirth, Peggy Guggenheim’s private collection.
YOUR THOUGHTS ON AI AND ART :
Honestly, AI hasn’t influenced the art world as much as people think. If you don’t have your own vision, no algorithm will save you.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF BEING AN ARTIST :
Maintaining authenticity.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY :
Honestly, probably designing my own clothes as a kid.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A KID :
Too curious and competitive, interested in everything culture, dance, sports, you name it.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION :
My experiences.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE :
Maybe Anne Hathaway, if she takes the gig.
CHOOSE A SUPERPOWER :
Doctor Strange’s superpowers.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST TRAIT :
Wanting to always be busy.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT :
Making sure I reach my imaginary deadlines.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT :
Turning art into full-time work.
DO YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS :
Rarely, I prefer to read instead.
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE :
Sugar cravings and hunting fashion statement pieces.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 4 MUSICIANS / BANDS :
Glass Animals, Tora, Easy Giant, Piero Piccioni.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING YOU EVER STOLE :
My mom’s jewelry.
YOU ARE HEADING TO THE ISS / INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. CHOOSE 4 PEOPLE TO TAKE ALONG :
I like to exit places whenever I feel like, so I would pass on claustrophobic adventures.
WHAT WOULD A PERFECT DAY FOR YOU LOOK LIKE :
Slow morning, spa & Pilates. A few hours of painting or admin work from an aesthetic spot. Then dinner adventure with friends in my favorite spots.
IF YOU COULD BE FRIENDS WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER WHO WOULD IT BE :
Harry Da Souza from MobLand and Blair Woldorf post drama era.
PICK YOUR TOP 5 MAGAZINES :
Vogue, Bloomberg, Kinfolk (for aesthetics), ArtReview and Dazed & Confused.
WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ :
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE :
Classified, but had emotional consequences.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU :
The idea of not losing.
YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
Paris, South of France.
YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
I’d rather not say. I might be invited back.
WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST :
Way too many points to do. Let’s say the goal is to keep the grandkid occupied with questions.
DO YOU LIKE BEING INTERVIEWED :
Only if I’m allowed to say things I’ll regret.
WHAT’S THE CLOSEST YOU HAVE COME TO DEATH :
Close enough to develop character, far enough to still look good in photos.
IF YOU HAD A BOAT, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED :
Simple. Gava.
YOUR MOTTO OR MESSAGE :
Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.
