GRACE NGUCHU shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning GRACE, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I enjoy baking and experimenting with new recipes, as I find it fascinating to transform simple ingredients into something delightful. In many ways, this process mirrors my art practice, where I bring together various materials to create a finished painting.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grace W. Nguchu and I am a contemporary artist currently based in Austin, Texas, with a primary focus on landscape painting, though I have recently begun incorporating portraiture into my practice. Originally from Kenya, my early environment deeply influenced my interest in art, inspiring me to begin drawing and eventually painting. Much of my work reflects the places where I grew up as well as locations I have visited over time. I often employ bright neon under-paintings in both landscapes and portraits to highlight the inherent beauty of nature and humanity, while also encouraging reflection on the importance of preserving that quality.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe bonds between people are often broken by misunderstanding, fear, and a lack of empathy. When we stop seeing each other fully, it creates distance. What restores those connections is openness—listening, compassion, and shared experiences that remind us of our common humanity. For me, art is one of the most powerful ways to mend these bonds. Whether through landscapes that connect us to the places we cherish, or portraits that reflect the dignity within each person, I see creativity as a way to rebuild understanding and restore a sense of belonging.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For much of my life, I struggled with the fear of being vulnerable. I worried about whether my art, my words, or even my emotions would be judged or dismissed and I often held back parts of myself in relationships and in my art. Over time, I’ve come to realize that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the bridge to true connection. The very moments I feared exposing have turned out to be the ones that resonate most with others, and it’s my hope that my paintings, in a way, are a practice of vulnerability—revealing parts of myself through the places I’ve loved and the colors that pulse beneath the surface. Each work is a step towards embracing openness rather than hiding.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m deeply committed to—no matter how long it takes—is the pursuit of equality, and environmental justice. I believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued and a right to live and thrive in a safe and healthy environmment. We all have a shared responsibility to protect the natural world we depend on. Achieving this balance requires persistence over generations. Through my art, I aim to create spaces of reflection and dialogue that not only honor our shared humanity but also highlight our connection to the environment, encouraging us to imagine a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world. Even if progress feels slow, I see my work as part of this larger, ongoing movement.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I’ve come to see death as a gift — not in a morbid way, but as the clearest teacher of what truly matters. Knowing life is finite gives urgency and clarity: it pushes me to create honestly, to speak my truth, and to spend time on what connects us rather than what divides us. In my work and life that perspective helps me celebrate fleeting moments, let go of perfection, and treat endings as openings for renewal and deeper connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gracewnguchu.com
- Instagram: @gracewnguchu
