“The path in any profession has obstacles that test our commitment, although in art, these obstacles can be even more challenging. This is where conviction becomes decisive. No path is easy, but all are possible to walk,” says Gabriela Morac.

Gabriela’s journey into art is as much a story of serendipity as it is of dedication. Born in the Zapotec community of San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya in Oaxaca, her childhood was steeped in the sensory experiences of rural life, something she credits as essential to her artistic identity. “I grew up surrounded by visual and auditory stimuli that felt more inherent to me than an influence,” she reflects, explaining how her environment shaped both her personal and artistic growth. “It helped mold my identity,” she adds, noting that her early life in such a rich cultural context has deeply influenced the stories she tells through her work.

Gabriela’s relationship with art was not a predetermined path, but rather one that evolved over time. Though she initially considered studying biology, a chance encounter with a painting workshop at a community center changed the course of her life. “I came to art by accident,” she admits, though she also believes, “everything in the universe has a reason for being.” After her time at the workshop, she realized that art could be more than just a hobby, prompting her to pursue a degree in Visual Arts at the National School of Plastic Arts (ENAP) at UNAM. “Art was more of a decision than a calling,” she reflects, explaining that it was the combination of hard work, commitment, and discipline that solidified her future in the arts. “Sometimes, I think art was more of a salvation for me when I couldn’t find answers.”