Gerardo Labarca went from running top restaurants in Montreal to following his lifelong dream of becoming a painter. In this interview with Milan Weekly Magazine, he shares how he rebuilt his life through art and found success on his own terms.

What initially attracted you to this field, and how has your career path evolved since then?

From an early age, I’ve always had a passion for the arts. My family and teachers were quick to notice my artistic talent. Although my dream was always to become a painter, I never took any formal art training. Moreover, in Venezuelan culture, a career as a painter was not considered a viable option for professional development. So I had to explore other possibilities. However, I didn’t want to follow a path laid down by others.

At the age of 21, I made the bold decision to immigrate alone to Canada, a country that has now been my home for 32 years. When I arrived, I found myself in a difficult situation, having no command of either French or English, which forced me to accept a job as a dishwasher in a restaurant. However, my determination and will to succeed enabled me to make slow but steady progress in the restaurant business. I started out working as a waiter, then worked my way up to become a manager, before reaching the position of director. Eventually, I became the owner of my own gourmet restaurants, which quickly established themselves as must-visit destinations in Montreal, a city rich in culinary diversity. My latest restaurant, Mezcla, was hailed by numerous journalists and food critics in the major media as one of the best restaurants in Canada, a testament to the impact I was able to make in this dynamic gastronomic scene. Despite this success, I still felt an inner emptiness, that of the painter I’d never been able to fully express. As the restaurant industry is very demanding, free time was almost non-existent. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to close my establishment, which led to personal and professional bankruptcy. It was not an easy time in my life.

At the dawn of my 47th birthday, faced with total emptiness and uncertainty about the future, I took the bold decision to turn my back on my career in the restaurant business and immerse myself entirely in the world of painting. This transition, although perceived by some as an act of madness, resonated with me as a profound necessity. I had always felt an unquenchable passion for art, and I knew that, despite the doubts and criticisms, I had the resources within me to flourish in this new field. The idea of devoting myself to creating art, giving free rein to my imagination and sharing my vision of the world through my canvases, was a promise of personal fulfillment that I could no longer ignore.

In front of my canvas, I gave free rein to my creativity, letting myself be carried away by inspiration without thinking too much. I began to depict iconic figures I deeply admired, such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and Nina Simone. Once I’d finished my creations, I decided to share them on social networks, where they met with great enthusiasm and many compliments. This positive feedback encouraged me to sell my first work, a moment that marked a decisive turning point in my artistic career. Since then, I’ve never stopped painting, relentlessly exploring new materials and techniques, while concentrating mainly on generous formats that allow me to fully express my vision.

My journey as an artist has gained significant momentum in the Montreal art scene, where my name is beginning to resonate with a certain notoriety. My work has been shown in numerous galleries, both in Montreal and internationally, with notable exhibitions in Georgia, Miami, Reno, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, and Kolkata. Among these venues, Winn Slavin Fine Art in Los Angeles stands out. Run by world-renowned artist Daniel Winn, this gallery is a veritable showcase for contemporary art, located on the famous street of Rodeo Drive. I’ve had the honor of exhibiting my work there at prestigious art fairs, reinforcing my presence on the international art scene.

At this point in my life, after much effort and with many connections, I managed to turn my financial situation around. I left the city to settle with my husband in the mountains. Thanks to my experience in the restaurant industry, I’ve come to know myself better, which has helped develop my personality and character. I now know that I am capable not only of overcoming difficult situations, but also of creating a new career empirically, as I had done in the restaurant business. Today, I can say that I lead a fulfilling life, working in an activity that fully satisfies me, which is my greatest achievement. I think art has always been a part of me, even when I was working in restaurants. However, I’ve now turned my attention to a new discipline: visual art.

How do you stay creatively inspired and motivated in your work?

Currently, my creative studio is located in the heart of lush nature, far from the hustle and bustle of my previous career in the restaurant industry. This radical change offered me the opportunity to explore solitude, which proved to be a valuable source of inspiration. Away from urban distractions, I benefit from an environment conducive to deep reflection and the blossoming of my creativity. Every day, the tranquility of the surrounding countryside allows me to adopt a contemplative state of mind, essential to my artistic process.

Everything about nature stimulates my creativity, encouraging me to experiment with new techniques and explore different themes in my work. Once a painting is finished, I’m already enthusiastically anticipating the next creation. This constant dynamic keeps me in a state of continuous enthusiasm, where each work represents not only a personal achievement, but also an opportunity for new artistic explorations.

For me, being a full-time painter is more than just “work”; it’s an omnipresent passion that illuminates every aspect of my daily life. I have the freedom to follow my inspirations without constraint, which feeds an intrinsic and genuine motivation. By living in harmony with nature and taking the time to refocus, I continually discover new dimensions of my creativity. This relentless quest for innovation and expression keeps me deeply engaged and inspired in the artistic world I enjoy so much.

What has been the most challenging project or situation in your career, and how did you navigate it?

When I began to be represented by galleries, I realized that I had lost some control over my artistic career. My desire to explore new avenues had led me to entrust my work to these institutions, in the belief that they would be better able to sell my work. However, the gallery experience quickly revealed its limitations: an artist is often just another number, and the exclusivity clauses in the contracts restrict my autonomy by preventing me from reaching my clientele directly.

This phase allowed me to observe different aspects of the industry, but it didn’t suit my way of operating. Having previously been a businessman in the restaurant industry, I understand the importance of controlling one’s own trajectory. So I made the decision to wait patiently for the contracts to expire so I could get my work back and pursue my career independently.

It’s also worth pointing out that the emergence of social networks has profoundly altered the artistic landscape. Today, artists have the chance to present their work everywhere and can negotiate directly with interested buyers. This evolution has given me renewed confidence and enabled me to take control of my career, while forging a more intimate bond with my clientele. I now feel free to create and evolve on my own terms, far from the constraints of traditional galleries.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal well-being?

In the art world, it’s crucial to treat your career with the same rigor as an entrepreneur manages his business. For me, this means taking charge not only of artistic creation, but also of the practical aspects of management. Paying taxes, paying the rent for my studio and buying the necessary materials are all responsibilities that require meticulous organization. My career as an artist is, in reality, a full-time job - and sometimes even more so.

One of the major challenges of this profession is the absence of fixed schedules. This forces me to set clear priorities, juggling both creation and career management. I have to stay on my guard, because a potential buyer can show up at any time. In this context, becoming a shrewd businessman is imperative. The sale of my work rests entirely on my shoulders, which means I have to hone my marketing and negotiation skills.

However, this duality between artist and entrepreneur is not without its difficulties. Our profession, though rich in creativity, is sometimes underestimated and not always taken seriously. To gain the necessary respect, it’s essential to assert ourselves and show our worth. Every day, I realize that there is so much to learn in this business - not only about artistic creation, but also about how to navigate in an environment where originality and innovation must coexist with solid business skills.

If you could collaborate with anyone, past or present, in your field, who would it be and who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone in art, it would be Gustave Klimt. His bold use of color and pattern, as well as his sensual approach to feminine themes, inspire me deeply. Working with him would be a unique opportunity to explore human emotions through works rich in symbolism and decorative detail. Klimt had this ability to capture the intimate and the mystical, and I’d love to understand the creative process that brought his iconic paintings to life, while merging our artistic visions to create something unique.

Looking to the future, what are your major new goals or aspirations, both personally and professionally

Looking to the future, my aspirations take on a new clarity. I want to continue exploring different media and materials to create my work. This willingness to experiment is essential to enrich my creative universe and reach an ever-wider audience.

I also want to help other artists develop their careers. Through the group I founded, ONE FOR ALL - ART, I aspire to offer a platform where everyone can gain visibility. I firmly believe that collective success can surpass individual ambitions, which is why I make a point of supporting my peers in their artistic journey.

Finally, I’m aiming for more exhibitions of my work. These moments of sharing with the public are precious and help create authentic connections. I want to give people the opportunity to discover my creations in person, to feel the energy of art and to talk about these experiences. In short, my goals are fueled by a desire to create, share and show artistic solidarity.

Personally, I’m setting myself new goals that reflect my deepest aspirations. One of my main wishes is to achieve a harmonious balance between my artistic activities and my commitments as a businessman. I firmly believe that this duality can enrich my creativity while enabling me to support other artists on their journey. By sharing my experiences and offering my help, I hope to contribute to the blossoming of the artistic community, fostering an environment where everyone can express themselves freely and develop their potential.

At the same time, I have a burning desire to travel as much as possible in order to discover new cultures. For me, every journey represents an opportunity for learning and personal enrichment. By exploring different horizons, I can not only broaden my artistic vision, but also incorporate a variety of influences into my work. These multicultural experiences enable me to better understand the world around me and bring a new dimension to my creations, while reinforcing my commitment to helping other artists open up to these cultural riches.

Outside your professional work, what passions or interests do you pursue?

Gardening and landscaping are passions that allow me to express my aesthetic sensibility while reconnecting with nature. I take particular pleasure in transforming outdoor spaces, where I can play with nuances, textures and shapes to design harmonious environments. The artist in me expresses himself through every project I undertake. I’m also passionate about space renovations, which offer the opportunity to revitalize places while integrating design elements that reflect my artistic vision. At the same time, cooking is an important part of my life. I love exploring new recipes and experimenting with different ingredients, which allows me to marry creativity and gastronomy, two areas in which I have flourished professionally. My love of nature and wildlife also manifested itself during a memorable trip to the Galapagos Islands, where I was lucky enough to observe unique species in their natural habitat. This experience not only reinforced my admiration for biodiversity, but also inspired me to create wildlife art canvases, thus merging my passions for nature and art.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to make their mark in your field?

To make your mark in the visual arts, it’s imperative to develop originality and creativity. These qualities not only allow you to develop a distinctive style, but also to add value to your professional achievements. It’s a good idea to systematically disseminate your work on the various online platforms available, in order to increase your visibility and reach a wider audience. At the same time, it’s essential to remain true to one’s artistic vision without feeling the need to justify one’s creative choices to others. Each artist has a unique voice that must be firmly defended. The layout of the workspace is also crucial to the creative process. Designing an environment conducive to concentration, in which you feel comfortable and inspired, can considerably improve the quality of the work produced. We recommend creating a creative space that is both functional and personal, allowing you to work without interruptions. By setting up a studio dedicated to art, the artist can fully immerse himself in his creative process, fostering the emergence of innovative and authentic ideas.

Have you ever been to Italy? If so, did you like it?

As a painter, Italy represents for me an immense source of inspiration and the birthplace of undisputed masters of the art. I’m planning to go there with my family, which makes this trip even more special given the Italian origins of my husband, Marco. Exploring the enchanting landscapes, iconic monuments and living traditions of this fascinating country is an experience I’m looking forward to with great interest. I can’t wait to visit the art world’s landmarks and immerse myself in the unique atmosphere for which Italy is renowned.

Being featured in “Milan Weekly” magazine is a true recognition of my artistic work and an exceptional foretaste of my first visit to Italy. This prestigious publication offers an invaluable opportunity to present my creations to a wide audience, even before my arrival. I’m honored to be able to share my passion and my art with the magazine’s readers. This moment marks a significant milestone in my career, and I’m grateful to be part of this artistic adventure in Italy.