ABOUT GABI TÉA

Welcome! My name is Gabriella Téa Ugarkovic, but you can call me Gabi Téa. As a passionate visual artist and musician, my creative journey has been a lifelong exploration, rooted in my childhood love for drawing. Growing up on Long Island in a family predominantly made up of Croatian immigrants, I’ve been deeply influenced by my American roots and Croatian heritage. Art has always been my first love, shaping the stories I express, while music serves as my refuge, allowing my visual art to transcend into new dimensions.

A Journey Through Art

I initially focused on realism but later transitioned to a more expressive style using graphite before exploring other mediums. In 2017, I began painting, discovering joy in creating both realistic and expressive landscapes and portraits, often intertwining elements of both to tell a story.

In 2018, I expanded my artistic repertoire by diving into printmaking, exploring techniques like monotype, etching, and block prints. Alongside this, I discovered a passion for graphic art, ultimately leading me to screen printing in 2020. This aspect of my work has been a journey of self-teaching and experimentation, refining my skills through trial and error.

The Call of Music

My musical journey began in 2020, a culmination of years spent yearning to express myself through sound. Although personal struggles once held me back, they also enriched my life experiences and fueled my creativity. Years of journal entries, written with the subconscious hope of translating my thoughts into music, laid the groundwork for my musical endeavors before I even picked up an instrument.

I taught myself to play the guitar, my first true love in music, and later expanded my skills to include piano, synthesizer, bass, mandolin, harmonica, and drums. Producing my music independently allows me to weave my artistic voice into every note.

Documenting My Journey

Throughout my creative process, I find joy in documenting my experiences—whether filming art shows, creating journal-style vlogs, or capturing moments with friends while we work creatively. These recordings narrate my evolution as an artist and musician, reflecting the highs and lows that have shaped my journey.

Inspiration and Legacy

My late baba was my greatest inspiration, embodying the quintessential American dream. She overcame a hard life before emigrating, and her story inspires me daily. Navigating her loss has deepened my appreciation for the connection between music and art.

In honoring her legacy, I release my art as clothing designs, paying homage to her work as a seamstress. Creating music is essential for me; when I sing, I feel closest to her spirit, as she taught me how to find my voice.

Embracing My Identity as an Artist

What was once a daunting label—being an artist—has become the very essence of my being. I feel a deep sense of purpose in sharing my story and creations, guided by God, my baba, and the universe. My art and music are extensions of my existence, serving a higher purpose.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I am excited to share my creations with you and hope they resonate with your own experiences.