Gloria Florez is a Colombian-Australian artist whose creative journey intertwines with a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. With a Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) by research from the University of Sydney, alongside a BVA Honours from the National Art School Sydney, Gloria's academic foundation seamlessly merges with her passion for the natural world.
Since her graduation in 2015, Gloria has embarked on an exploration of the intersection between art, science, and conservation. Her art practice serves as a canvas upon which she paints narratives of environmental urgency, drawing attention to the delicate balance between humanity and nature.
Nestled within the Garigal Country on the Western Foreshores of Pittwater, Australia, Gloria's life unfolds amid the eucalyptus forests and the rhythmic dance of wind, rain, tides, and fire seasons, finding both inspiration and purpose.
Central to Gloria's artistic mission is The Forest Ambassadors Project, initiated in 2019 as a collaborative effort to cultivate environmental awareness and activism. This ongoing endeavour has garnered recognition in Australia the BigCi Environmental Award, in California the Leonardo at Djerassi Residency, and in Taiwan at the International Biennial for Paper Fibre Art EARTH SPEAK: Giving Voice to Paper.
As an artist and environmentalist, Gloria endeavours to weave a tapestry of connection, uniting diverse communities under the banner of environmental stewardship. From traditional custodians to children, artists to scientists, her work resonates across boundaries, fostering dialogue and action in the pursuit of a thriving natural world.