Collaboration | Designers Welcomed

As a lifelong artist with over 25+ years of experience, I develop commercial and residential paintings for various applications. Collaboration with others has always been a very rewarding aspect of the job, both personally and professionally. Working to achieve a common goal, and being able to contribute to beautiful, exciting spaces inspires me to push forward each day and affirms my commitment to making this world just that much more special.

I am a prolific painter, working daily in my studio in West Seattle. While I love the freedom to paint what I want, I am also very inspired by others. Collaborating on projects makes the solitary career that I have built for myself a much more human experience and has created opportunities for connections in business and in life; and really what more could I ask for?

I love a good challenge and am always forthcoming. If you request something I can’t execute with confidence I will do my best to point you to other talented artists. My goal is to develop a mutually beneficial relationship where we all can shine, and where the end client feels they’ve been well cared for.

What I Can Do for You

I bring to the table an ability to create in varied styles, although admittedly I have my favorites. Although I am an independent artist, producing work on my own; I can be a leader and a trusted team player to you. I believe relationships are the key to success in engaging people and creating meaningful artwork and spaces. Since moving to Seattle four and a half years ago, I have enjoyed developing these types of relationships and contributing to the inspired landscape I have found in this city. 
I would love to use my talents and help support your efforts too. I am certain that you will benefit from my unique combination of communication, design experience, and enthusiasm should you choose to include me or my work in your projects. As a side note, I would include that I am easy to work with, responsive, and funny.

Confession time: I have a mouth like a “trucker,” (but will always hold my tongue when meeting clients), I drink more than the acceptable amount of coffee in a day, and I’m “one of those weirdos” that doesn’t eat wheat. Hey, these things matter in relationships ;)

Kind Words from Clients and Collaborators

“Genna has great vision, ideas, and listens attentively to her clients’ needs. She is extremely creative and draws on years of experience working with the trades. She is honest, hard-working, and has always found a way to suggest an idea that fits our budget. Genna is genuinely interested in ensuring that her customers are 100% satisfied. We have used her on numerous occasions and will continue to do so!”  

-R. Philippe

“Genna's understanding and experienced eye for space and design are impressive. We have called upon her MANY times to assist with selections for our homes - she just "gets" scale and style. Her desire to help is genuine and we know she keeps our best interests at the forefront of any project she takes on - we trust her implicitly!” -A. Leonforte   

“I’ve worked with Genna over the past twenty years; calling on her for her trusted opinion.  Her incredible talent for understanding your needs, her amazing vision of the “to be” state, and client commitment has impacted our decisions in an extremely positive manner, ensuring we make the right decisions and creating the vision we couldn’t always see but Genna could somehow.  If you are looking for someone to guide you with each aspect of your project, see beyond the “as is” and get you where you need to be, Genna is the person for you!”

W. Stephanson

Gray Sky Gallery | Seattle Art District

Gray Sky Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Seattle. Located in the historic Pioneer Square District at 320 1st Avenue S. It provides a bright, inviting space for people to connect with local artists and engage with their work.

Be sure to stop by during our regular business hours, Thursday through Saturday 12 pm to 5 pm, or join us First Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm for the Pioneer Square Art Walk. Alternatively, you may book a private appointment at your convenience at genna@grayskygallery.com / laura@grayskygallery.com We’d love to see you!

360 Modern | Interview

360modern is a community of modernists including architects, Modern furniture and art experts, non-profits, state historical organizations, county historical groups, and contractors. Today, we’re continuing our showcase of the people and businesses that make up the Seattle Modern community.

We had the chance to ask Genna Draper, a local Seattle artist
a few questions. Without further adieu, here’s her story first hand…

Briefly introduce yourself.

There’s no real mystery to my story. My name is Genna Draper, an eternal optimist, I look for good in every situation and each person I meet despite circumstance. This way of being served me well when we uprooted our family from our home in Ottawa, Canada two years ago. A working artist with over 20 years in the business of art, I am thrilled to be living and working in Seattle; a vibrant city with so much enthusiasm and support for artists.

When did you know you’d become an artist?  

The only child in a large Italian family, my creative pursuits were always supported and encouraged. Drawing, painting, sewing, and building were integral activities of my daily life, and as is the case today I am happiest working with my hands. It was not a cerebral decision to “become an artist,” it was the work. For me there is no separation from creating as a child to creating as an adult, it was just what did; and what I continue to do. I suppose it was knowing I could monetize my skills that set the path.

What is your medium and what attracted you to this medium?

I would consider myself a mixed media artist. Paints, plasters, and resins are staples in my creative toolbox, however I would never limit myself to those alone. I am fearless in my pursuit of achieving a desired result. If that means pulling in textiles, found objects or non traditional techniques then I’m going to do it.

Do you have any tricks to connecting with your creative self?

I’ve never considered it as being separate part of me. Life, not just art requires creativity and problem solving. I suppose I should just thank my parents for instilling those skills in me; that and the crazy belief that I can tackle anything my my mind dreams up.

Do you have any special routines that you do to help you work?

There’s no magic to it. I just show up. Monday to Friday I throw on my paint encrusted clothes, grab a latte from C & P Coffee, and walk alongside my dog to my studio down the street. Getting me to work is not the issue, getting me to stop for the day is; according to my husband.

What’s your greatest inspiration in creating your work?

Knowing that I don’t have to be one thing. There’s a common belief that as an artist you need to commit to one style, or one thing to achieve success and I couldn’t disagree more. I believe that the skill and experience you achieve overtime can be applied to work, no matter what. I have left the “door open” to pursue any idea that I fancy. That freedom is all the inspiration I need.

What are the most satisfying pieces to create?

I would say that my satisfaction comes from the work and less about any particular piece. Being productive and hitting my goal, be it a deadline for a show or the successful completion of a commission then I’m more than happy. The most satisfying thing of course is knowing that people connect with my work and choose to make it part of their lives.

How do you think about your art related to Modern architecture and design?

My interest in architecture and design was fed from my early days as a partner in specially wall finishing business. I had the privilege of working on some incredible projects and have great respect to the work architects and designers do. The special details that to some may go unnoticed, were never lost on me. When I work on a particular series it is often with placement in mind.

In the creation of my recent resin works, I considered several elements. First the environment. Living in West Seattle, I am surrounded by mountains, water and the ever changing sky. On a clear day, this place is incredible and I wanted that spark to be represented in the final pieces. I drew visual cues from the landscape overlooking Puget sound and through deconstruction created new modern landscapes. The large open spaces and clean lines found in modern homes create the perfect backdrop for this work.

Patricia Mulligan of drizl.co said it more eloquently than I ever could when she described the “geometry of my topographical paintings as pairing nicely with the angles of the architecture in modern and midcentury homes.” The result of these large, high gloss works create visual expanses that serve as artificial windows. With the heavy, dark skies so common in the Pacific Northwest, they’re a perfect way bring colour and life to a space.”