Monica Gorski says she’s loved art since as early as she can remember. Raised by creative parents, Gorski spent much of her childhood in the theater watching her mother perform in plays. Her father – while not an artist – designs pipes and tubing. After her mother passed away, Gorski took to drawing as a way to express her feelings, considering art to be a form of therapy. Ten years later, the young artist has spent a year studying in Italy, created a series of works and had several pieces on display at FAU-sponsored art shows.

Q: Do you consider yourself a contemporary artist?

A: More “old world.” My work has a very old style and I like using very traditional techniques and methods.

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?

A: I draw from my imagination and I love texture and detail. I’m also greatly influenced by my surroundings.

Q: Speaking of surroundings, you mentioned you studied abroad?

A: Yes, in 2006. I spent a year studying printmaking and art history in Florence, Italy. I was inspired to make the trip after I took a renaissance class at FAU. I went to get a better understanding of art and I came back a whole new person.

Q: Favorite artists?

A: Francisco Goya, James Ensor, Kathy Horowitz and Marcel Duchamp. All of these artists have had a great impact on the art world and their works often represent destruction and disaster. I also admire the intricate dark characters [in the paintings] of Goya and Ensor.

Q: Where do you find the meaning behind your work?

A: I basically just draw and often find the meaning after I’m done. Many of my characters resemble somewhat of outcasts trying to fit in.

Q: Studio art and graphic design, why the double major?

A: I started at FAU as a graphic design major in 2002 because I wanted to be more than just a starving artist. But then I realized art was my passion and began studio art. I decided to keep both so I have something to fall back on.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: My dream is to sell my work and have a place in a gallery. I also love traveling so I’d like to travel around the world creating new works.

Q: Where’s the best place for inspiration?

A: Definitely Europe. Barcelona in Spain is my favorite. The architecture is amazing.

Q: The next place you’re dying to visit?

A: Asia and Africa. I’d love to go to Egypt, they have so much [art] history. While none of Gorski’s art is up for sale or on display, she plans to show her work at the Boca campus’ Ritter Art Gallery in the future.