BOLD Journey: Meet Gala Semenova

My recent interview to BOLD Journey published on JUNE 6, 2023

Meet Gala Semenova

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gala Semenova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gala below.

Gala, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Over the years, my journey of developing confidence and self-esteem has been a transformative one. Initially, I struggled with low self-esteem and lacked confidence in my artistic abilities. I constantly compared myself to other artists, feeling like a failure. However, around 10 years ago, I embarked on a spiritual journey that became a catalyst for change.

Through deep meditations, plant medicine ceremonies, and the practice of yoga, I began to delve into self-discovery and inner growth. I immersed myself in the wisdom shared by spiritual teachers like Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, and others. Their teachings helped me understand the destructive nature of comparison and how it hindered my artistic expression.

Seeking to enhance my skills and gain a deeper understanding of photography, I enrolled in photography studies at San Diego Community College. This was a pivotal moment as it provided me with a structured learning environment and exposure to a community of fellow photographers. I participated in group exhibitions, which not only validated my work but also allowed me to connect with other artists.

To further refine my craft and develop a personal style, I sought out a photographer whose work resonated with me and took personal training. This experience was instrumental in honing my skills and giving me a sense of direction and purpose.

Continuing to learn and grow, I began submitting my artwork to photo competitions. As my work started gaining recognition and being published in notable publications like Lens Magazine, I began to accept and appreciate the uniqueness and value of my art. The accolades, including winning first and second places in competitions and securing more publications, played a significant role in boosting my confidence as an artist.

Through this journey, I learned to value my own artistic voice and appreciate the progress I made. I realized that comparison only stifled my creativity and hindered my growth. Embracing my personal journey and focusing on continual learning and self-improvement, I have developed a newfound confidence in my abilities as an artist.

This journey has taught me that confidence and self-esteem are not fixed entities but can be cultivated through self-exploration, embracing opportunities for growth, and recognizing and celebrating one’s own achievements. It is an ongoing process, and I remain committed to nurturing my artistic spirit and evolving as an artist.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Allow me to introduce myself as Gala Semenova, an award-winning Fine Art Portrait Photographer based in sunny San Diego, California. My passion lies in capturing the essence of people and their unique stories through the lens of my camera. But here’s what really gets my creative juices flowing: the seamless integration of AI tools that I’ve embraced in my artistic process. This harmonious collaboration between technology and artistry propels me to push the boundaries of creativity and explore uncharted artistic horizons.

What truly exhilarates me about my work is the power to freeze fleeting moments and weave them into captivating visual narratives that touch hearts and stir emotions. Photography, in its universal language, transcends barriers of culture and words, speaking directly to the soul. It’s in those authentic, vulnerable moments that I discover the true essence of beauty.

In addition to my captivating photography, I’ve embarked on an exciting journey I like to call Extended Photography. These groundbreaking projects blend photography with various artistic elements, resulting in breathtaking, thought-provoking masterpieces. Prepare to be transported to a multidimensional realm where art knows no boundaries.

One project particularly close to my heart focuses on Domestic Violence. Through this project, I strive to convey the need for hope in the wake of adversity. Rather than stigmatizing the “victims” of domestic violence, it’s my aim to emphasize their strength, courage, and humanity as a means of impacting those wishing to transform tragedy into triumph. The catharsis attained from my own healing journey empowered me with the volition to infuse art with a message of hope and transcendence.

I am dedicated to raising awareness and sparking vital conversations about this pressing issue. A part of this project has even been showcased in the esteemed Lens Magazine, amplifying its reach and impact. To fuel this important work and continue using art as a catalyst for change, I’m actively seeking financial support. I firmly believe that art possesses the incredible ability to shape our society for the better.

The future holds endless possibilities, as I constantly explore fresh avenues to expand my artistic vision and create positive ripples. I eagerly welcome collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships that align with my mission. Together, let’s ignite compassion, empathy, and awareness, ultimately fostering a kinder and more conscious society.

Join me on this captivating journey by following my website and social media platforms. Stay in the loop about upcoming events, exhibitions, and exciting new developments. Your support means the world to me as I continue using my art to raise crucial social issues and inspire transformative shifts.

Thank you for your genuine interest in my work. I’m thrilled to share more of my artistic evolution with you as the adventure unfolds.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, there were three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that played a significant role in shaping my path and fostering growth:

Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness: Developing a deep sense of self-awareness and engaging in regular self-reflection allowed me to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and passions. It helped me align my artistic pursuits with my authentic self, paving the way for meaningful and fulfilling work. My advice to those starting their journey is to dedicate time to introspection, exploring your interests, values, and aspirations. Embrace self-discovery as a compass guiding you towards your true artistic voice.

Continuous Learning and Curiosity: The pursuit of knowledge and a genuine curiosity about different artistic techniques, styles, and philosophies have been instrumental in my growth as an artist. Never stop learning and exploring new avenues within your field. Attend workshops, engage in mentorship programs, read books, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Be open-minded and embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that there’s always room for improvement. Seek inspiration from various sources and disciplines, as it can spark unique ideas and expand your artistic horizons.

Perseverance and Resilience: The journey of an artist can be challenging and fraught with obstacles. Developing resilience and cultivating a sense of perseverance is crucial. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learn from setbacks. Stay committed to your artistic vision, even when faced with self-doubt or external criticism. Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback. Understand that success rarely happens overnight and that progress often comes in small, incremental steps. Trust the process and stay dedicated to your craft.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to stay patient and persistent. Embrace the learning process and allow yourself room to make mistakes and grow from them. Seek guidance and support from mentors and peers who can offer valuable insights and constructive feedback. Engage in networking events, exhibitions, and collaborations to expand your artistic network and gain exposure. Embrace opportunities for experimentation and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so savor every step and trust in your artistic voice.

Ultimately, the most impactful advice I can offer is to stay true to yourself and your artistic vision. Embrace the uniqueness of your journey and let your passion and authenticity shine through your art. Keep honing your skills, nurturing your creativity, and never lose sight of the joy and fulfillment that art can bring.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! Collaboration is a wonderful way to bring together diverse perspectives and create something truly unique. I am open to partnering and collaborating with individuals who share a similar passion for art, storytelling, and creating positive change in society.

I am particularly interested in collaborating with:

1. Artists from various disciplines: I believe in the power of interdisciplinary collaborations. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, writer, or any other type of artist, I am eager to explore the possibilities of merging different art forms to create multidimensional experiences.

2. Social activists and organizations: I am deeply committed to using my art as a platform to raise awareness and initiate conversations about important social issues. If you are a social activist or part of an organization dedicated to creating positive change, I would love to explore collaborative projects that amplify our collective impact.

3. Curators and gallery owners: Exhibitions play a vital role in showcasing and sharing artistic expressions. If you are a curator or gallery owner passionate about promoting thought-provoking and socially relevant art, I would be delighted to connect and discuss potential collaborations.

4. Writers and storytellers: I believe that art and storytelling go hand in hand. If you are a writer, poet, or storyteller interested in exploring the intersection between visual art and narrative, I would be thrilled to collaborate on projects that blend photography with the written word.

If you resonate with my artistic vision and are interested in collaborating, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can connect with me through my website or social media platforms. Feel free to share your ideas, proposals, or simply express your interest in collaboration. Let’s come together, pool our creative energies, and make a meaningful impact through art.

I look forward to hearing from passionate individuals who are inspired to create art that sparks conversations, touches hearts, and drives positive change. Together, we can create something truly remarkable.

Contact Info:

Galina SemenovaGala Semenova Potography