Meet Gabi Fuentes (@furib_), a Chilean artist based in Melbourne known for her neon, trippy art style. Her unique use of fluoro colours and mind-bending subject matter create an eye-catching combination packed with fun details. Find our more about her journey to become an artist down below.

We can see you’re super talented at trippy glow-in-the-dark art! What drew you to this style and how did you discover it?

It actually started by chance! One night I turned on my blue LED lights and noticed that some of the colours in my drawing were glowing. Someone replied to my Instagram story asking if I’d tried a UV light, so I got one, and it completely blew my mind. Since then, I’ve loved experimenting with neon colours and how magical they look in the dark.

Do you have a place you’d like to visit for creative inspiration?

Japan and Mexico are at the top of my list! I’d love to explore Japan’s busy streets, small galleries, and artist bookstores, it feels like such a perfect place to get inspired. And Mexico also fascinates me with its powerful artistic scene, vibrant colours, incredible architecture, and of course, the food. Both places feel full of creativity and energy.

If you had to be an animal for a day (other than human) which would you pick? 

I’d choose a llama, I’ve always been a fan of them, and I even have a tattoo of one. I feel like they’re my spirit animal. They come from where I’m from, the desert and highlands, and they can survive in such tough conditions. Plus, they have such personality, just looking at them, you can feel it. I think that makes them really powerful and inspiring animals.

What creative project were you a little unsure to start but turned out better than you hoped?

My first exhibition! It was at a psytrance event, and I was a bit nervous because it was the first time showing my glow-in-the-dark art in public. But it turned out amazing, people loved it, and from there I started getting invited to more events. It really helped me grow and get more involved in the psychedelic art scene.

Do you get art block? If you do, how do you tackle it?

Yes, I definitely get art block, sometimes even for months. Daily life and stress can make it hard to stay creative. What helps me is visiting exhibitions of illustrators or other artists, studying nature, or just doing things that clear my mind. When I reconnect with that creative side, I look for ideas and inspiration, and that usually makes me want to draw again, even when I don’t know what to create.

How did you find out you were a creative person?

I think it just came naturally. I started drawing really young and my parents encouraged it – they even signed me up for art classes. My dad loved drawing, and we would garden and build things together like furniture which really inspired me and connected me with nature. My mom, as a preschool teacher, always had crafts and projects at home, so creativity was everywhere. Later I found out many people in my family are artists, so being creative has always been part of my life.

Who are your creative cheerleaders?

My biggest cheerleaders are definitely my mom, my sister, and my dad (he’s more low-key, but he’s always been there since I told him I loved drawing). My friends are a huge support too, especially the ones who make art themselves; we inspire each other. I also feel cheered on by everyone who enjoys or supports my art. Even people I meet at markets, if only briefly, give me a little boost and make me want to create more. Having all that energy around me is really amazing.

Are you more of a sweet or savoury person?

Definitely savoury! But a little sweet touch after is nice. Kind of like my art, I do all the base work with regular colours and then add just a little fluorescent pop at the end to make it shine.

What’s your creative space like? Do you play music, have plants, or keep it minimalistic? 

Since I'm travelling, I try to keep my space chill, but it’s never really minimal. I love collecting little figurines, and my friends give me some too as they really spark my creativity. I also have a few plants at home, which I love, because green is super important for me when I’m creating. Music is a huge part of my process too; I really love Afro and Dancehall and they help me get into the right creative flow.

Do you have a fave Mont Marte product?

Yes! I really love your acrylic paints, and I use them a lot for my paintings and little projects. I also adore their fluorescent paints; the colours are amazing. I genuinely enjoy using them in my work.

Gabi’s attitude towards creating is inspiring. It’s comforting to know that even someone as freethinking and vibrant as her still faces art block sometimes! So, it’s okay to take a little break, connect with nature, and look to other artists who motivate you for some inspo. Creativity will always be there when you feel ready.

See more of @furib_ by checking out our gallery, where her art journey is featured!

Stock up on fluoro paints and acrylics to have a go at mind-bending art at home. If you do make something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!

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