Gabrielle Domena's Bulldogs Unleashed Q+A

The summer of 2011 may be remembered for many reasons, but one will be , the public art display of 25 larger-than-life bulldogs that has captured the interest and imagination of many local residents. Here is an interview with Gabrielle Domena of Batavia, one of a series with the artists whose creativity have made the exhibit a success since the 30-inch-high by 50-inch-long frames went on display in June.

Domena is a 2010 graduate of . Her Bulldog's Life is that will be auctioned off Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Rd. (Route 25), North Aurora. 

Batavia Patch: What is the name of your bulldog and where can we see it?

Gabrielle Domena: Bulldog’s Life is on the southeast corner of Route 31 and Houston Street.

Batavia Patch: Who is your sponsor?

Domena: Lamp Inc. 

Batavia Patch: What was your inspiration for it?

Domena: My inspiration for this bulldog came from the high school itself, considering I was a senior in high school when I started the project. I figured I would make a design in honor of the school that I put some of the best years of my life into. I took what I saw around me in the hallways and on the fields of the school and put all the passion from those things onto the bulldog.

Batavia Patch: How long did it take to complete your bulldog and what media did you use?

Domena: I want to say it took about a month to complete the bulldog, it was such a delicate process, making sure that nothing was out of place and that everything went according to the original design. Plus, I needed to leave time, in the possibility that parts of the design might not work out on the bulldog, for improvisation. I used acrylics.

Batavia Patch: How long have you been an artist?

Domena: I’ve been an artist my entire life. Now, whether or not I’ve been a good artist is up for debate. I don’t necessarily count my kindergarten scribbles a piece of well done artwork. But I have been creating much more elegant works of art since the start of my high school career.

Batavia Patch: Why did you become an artist?

Domena: I became an artist because it’s something I love to do. I like painting, but I find that drawing is more my passion. I love having the ability to picture something in my head and put it on paper for others to see. It gives a sense of accomplishment to me and wonder to the audience. I especially love when people ask me to draw pictures for them.

Batavia Patch: What is your inspiration for your art?

Domena: My inspiration comes from the world around me, whether it’s nature, movies, music, etc. I can find inspiration in almost anything if I’m in the right mindset.

Batavia Patch: What media do you usually use?

Domena: I usually use either pencil or ink on paper.

Batavia Patch: What is the favorite subject for your work?

Domena: My favorite subject for my work would have to be some sort of nature scene. I love drawing animals, but at the same time I love drawing an old English town with its castle and harbor.

Batavia Patch: Where can the public see your work?

Domena: I’m currently posting my work on wisewolf14.deviantart.com. I have some old pictures up there from when I was younger and am uploading newer pieces of work. Anyone who would like to commission me to paint or draw something can contact me at gdomena@yahoo.com.

To purchase tickets for the Sept. 10 Bulldogs Unleashed auction, or for more information, go to bulldogsunleashed.org.