My love of art and fashion began early. At the age of three I was already drawing pictures and coloring in my coloring books. I remember shopping with my Mother in fashion stores where I thought the clothing racks were carousels. I would hide in them, sneaking peeks of amazing women wearing gorgeous outfits. At six I was put in Catholic school were I focused on art. We had many different teachers, but only one older nun to teach art class. I remember her whispering in my ear that I had the gift! My parents had limited money to spend on my education, but they supported me the best they could. They told me I was the only one with these talents in several generations of the family. I found it hard to believe. My talents had to come from somewhere.
Born into a military family, you explored the world from a very early age. How did growing up in such a rich environment influence your art?
Being in a military family affected me big time! We lived in some amazing places - Madrid. Spain, Casablanca, Morocco, Holland, and many parts of the US. The youngest of four children, I was always entertaining the family with my antics - pretending to be a desperado, cowboy, soldier, famous singer, flamenco dancer. Learning the cultures of different countries also inspired me. It still does today.
After all your travels, you returned to New Mexico and spent 10 years researching the unique cultures found only in the diverse border region of the Southwest which resulted in your Desperado’s series. Can you share a little about how this series came together?
I've always loved the contemporary side of creating, even in my Western Desperado Boot line. I'm not "Wagon Wheel" kind of guy. For this series I was inspired by modern artists, which lead me to my own style. I'm also a rebel in every way. This lead me to opening my own gallery where I sold works of art and jewelry. I began writing my own music. I had a music background in Bluegrass, Jazz and country music during my early teens and twenties and had become tired of playing with authoritative musicians, so began recording my own music.
In my earlier years as an artist I was selling to boutiques while working at an advertising company. Then I decided to open a graphic communication business which opened the door for me designing night clubs. The owners of USA Fort Lauderdale found out about my Desperado art series, and that is when it really took off. Along the way I developed my G'Larri branding.
With so many creative outlets, how do you balance these passions? Is there one that stands as your favorite? How does one balance it all?
One thing that helped make this happen was a patron, an Italian woman who purchased hundreds of thousands dollars of my fine art as well as art of others I represented. My 100 year old, 5000 square foot gallery was destroyed by a contractor. It was a hard time. I was ready to pull the trigger. Then this Italian women urged me to go to Italy where I had starting painting the Lamborghini tribute. I was invited to spend time in Italy with her and family, then meet the director of the Lamborghini Factory Museum in Modena, Italy.
I produced a small full color magazine of my fashion, fine art, and several other related items, and presented a show case I wanted to create. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Many years later at a Lambo fest in Houston, Texas, I met test driver Valentino Balboni and was inspired again to pursue the Lambo Series – "Way of the Bull." Talking with former Director Cristina Guzarrdi, I was able to reintroduce my idea and suggest debuting it at the Buggati Factory in Campogalliano Italy. This series went on to be shown in Las Vegas with all the pieces up for sale in the millions!
What new fine art/music/fashion projects are you working on?
“Napoleana," the painting of Napoleon as a women crossing the alps, simple French fashion. "Basically it's about man's deception to man. Perhaps that if Napoleana existed in this world. it would be in better shape and more beautiful to look at from the artistic eye."
Is there anything you would like to share in closing?
I was raised by strong women who continue to inspire me, and my work celebrates the beauty of women and all they are. By drawing on diverse motifs from our planet and its people, my creations in fashion, fine art, and design tell stories of connection and resilience. And stay tuned—my music is ready to be heard, adding yet another layer to my creative expression.
Being in a military family affected me big time! We lived in some amazing places - Madrid. Spain, Casablanca, Morocco, Holland, and many parts of the US. The youngest of four children, I was always entertaining the family with my antics - pretending to be a desperado, cowboy, soldier, famous singer, flamenco dancer. Learning the cultures of different countries also inspired me. It still does today.
I've always loved the contemporary side of creating, even in my Western Desperado Boot line. I'm not "Wagon Wheel" kind of guy. For this series I was inspired by modern artists, which lead me to my own style. I'm also a rebel in every way. This lead me to opening my own gallery where I sold works of art and jewelry. I began writing my own music. I had a music background in Bluegrass, Jazz and country music during my early teens and twenties and had become tired of playing with authoritative musicians, so began recording my own music.
In my earlier years as an artist I was selling to boutiques while working at an advertising company. Then I decided to open a graphic communication business which opened the door for me designing night clubs. The owners of USA Fort Lauderdale found out about my Desperado art series, and that is when it really took off. Along the way I developed my G'Larri branding.
Fifteen years ago I decided to showcase everything at my first fashion show in LA. The fine art was set up in a museum fine gallery setting, while next to it was the runway where over 40 models showcased my fashions. What was missing? My songs! Tony Orlando's son, Jon Orlando, organized the show and did a fantastic job. The idea was to target all the top art and fashion magazines like Artist Erti did with Harpers Bizarre. I want my is to see my fashion paintings on its cover.
One at a time, unless the event or project demands putting all together. The concept of my fine art show coincides with my fashions, so it's ideal to present the two together. It's like making a movie with many moving parts However from form, to concept, to completion demands time and discipline, taking on a project or event requires a commitment to complete the task.
They are all my favorite at the time of creation. When one pours into another, blissful passion is released. The feeling of accomplishment at the end is the result of hard work, or whether you are making one individual or millions of people happy. Often when it is just one person, the intimacy is most true, real and loving! And yes, New Mexico - its enchantment and history - inspired the Desperados!!!
What inspired your 2018 Way of the Bull fine art series. How did you approach creating each artwork?
Lamborghini began with a wish board. I always admired amazing artists and designers that rose from nothing to become well recognized and successful. In the mid 90's, I had the idea to meet Ferruccio Lamborghini. I loved his story and his amazing cars named after bulls of Spain. The idea stuck, but it wasn't till many years later at the Windchime Champagne gallery where I had the opportunity to go after the Lamborghini project and knew exactly what I wanted with it.
They are all my favorite at the time of creation. When one pours into another, blissful passion is released. The feeling of accomplishment at the end is the result of hard work, or whether you are making one individual or millions of people happy. Often when it is just one person, the intimacy is most true, real and loving! And yes, New Mexico - its enchantment and history - inspired the Desperados!!!
What inspired your 2018 Way of the Bull fine art series. How did you approach creating each artwork?
Lamborghini began with a wish board. I always admired amazing artists and designers that rose from nothing to become well recognized and successful. In the mid 90's, I had the idea to meet Ferruccio Lamborghini. I loved his story and his amazing cars named after bulls of Spain. The idea stuck, but it wasn't till many years later at the Windchime Champagne gallery where I had the opportunity to go after the Lamborghini project and knew exactly what I wanted with it.
One thing that helped make this happen was a patron, an Italian woman who purchased hundreds of thousands dollars of my fine art as well as art of others I represented. My 100 year old, 5000 square foot gallery was destroyed by a contractor. It was a hard time. I was ready to pull the trigger. Then this Italian women urged me to go to Italy where I had starting painting the Lamborghini tribute. I was invited to spend time in Italy with her and family, then meet the director of the Lamborghini Factory Museum in Modena, Italy.
What new fine art/music/fashion projects are you working on?
I am working on several projects such as the LA reunion Fashion, Fine and Music Show case featuring high fashion retired super models in portrait original paintings. I also took a trip last summer to meet with Alex and Alice Grey at the Cosmic Church of Sacred Mirrors in up state NY. My psychedelic teenage times has inspired a new motif in my painting and music for the 2024 Think people. The new paintings were created in oil markers on Canvas. They are very vivid and will make for a great fashion motif.
“Napoleana," the painting of Napoleon as a women crossing the alps, simple French fashion. "Basically it's about man's deception to man. Perhaps that if Napoleana existed in this world. it would be in better shape and more beautiful to look at from the artistic eye."
I was raised by strong women who continue to inspire me, and my work celebrates the beauty of women and all they are. By drawing on diverse motifs from our planet and its people, my creations in fashion, fine art, and design tell stories of connection and resilience. And stay tuned—my music is ready to be heard, adding yet another layer to my creative expression.
Through the blending of dreams, diverse concepts, and various mediums, my work celebrates the beauty of the world while reflecting its complexities. I believe art can transcend boundaries, offering both aesthetic pleasure and meaningful commentary on the pressing issues facing our planet, its animals, and its people.
Each piece I create uses symbolism and metaphor to speak directly to the emotions of the viewer, building a deeper connection between them and the world. Bold, contrasting color palettes, drawn from nature’s hues, highlight the tension between beauty and struggle, while textures and materials—such as repurposed ocean plastics—serve as symbols of sustainability and global awareness.
Above all, my work tells a personal story. It’s an exploration of my relationship with the Earth and the creatures that share it, reflecting my desire to create beauty that inspires action. My art is a call to protect the fragile beauty of our world, urging urgency in how we care for it.
Links -
Each piece I create uses symbolism and metaphor to speak directly to the emotions of the viewer, building a deeper connection between them and the world. Bold, contrasting color palettes, drawn from nature’s hues, highlight the tension between beauty and struggle, while textures and materials—such as repurposed ocean plastics—serve as symbols of sustainability and global awareness.
Nature's patterns inspire my designs, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all living things. I also embrace technology, considering interactive elements like virtual or augmented reality to immerse viewers in a vibrant, thriving world while confronting environmental and social issues.
Above all, my work tells a personal story. It’s an exploration of my relationship with the Earth and the creatures that share it, reflecting my desire to create beauty that inspires action. My art is a call to protect the fragile beauty of our world, urging urgency in how we care for it.
Links -
- Website - www.glarribas.com
- Music - you can listen on his website under the music tab
- Instagram - @larribasgerald
- Facebook - www.facebook.com/gerald.larribas
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