Murals are paintings for the public. They are paintings that make people look, define a place and make people remember. Hope Gaburo is a muralist. She has vision and energy and creates fun memorable places. Her art makes you notice spaces that may have been overlooked. She recently painted a mural inside one of the newer restaurants in Hamilton, Il Dono on Route 33. The mural is both nostalgic and comforting. It seems to be what many people are looking for.
When did you decide to paint murals? Did you start with smaller works?
This is a fun question. Before I started murals, I owned an art gallery/studio at New Hope Arts. I took over my friend’s business after she unexpectedly and tragically passed in 2022. Her name was Erin Simmons, she was a phenomenal artist, and I owe everything I am to her. I wouldn’t have gotten my start without her taking a chance on me and I always will give her credit. I was a part of that gallery, as an artist, but I just painted on canvas and smaller works for the longest time.
It wasn’t until 2023 when I got a call from a local landlord/real estate owner/community member named Tom McMillan, that really changed things for me. He called me because I had a friend who lived in one of his properties in New Hope and asked me if I did murals large scale because he had a 20ft wall he needed some help with. I said, “I do now!” and honestly, I just kept the faith it would all work out in the end. I learned a lot through that project. But yeah, that’s really what started it all.
Did you have a mentor learning to work this large?
Technically, no. I had never worked this large and to be honest, I wasn’t sure if I really could. But someone needed me to and I just kept the faith that it would all work out. And it did! I just am blessed to live in a community amongst many vibrant artists and find inspiration in those around me.
How many murals have you painted in the area?
Hmm, I have to count! At this current moment, I’ve painted close to 20 murals in this area so far. It’s been 3 years since I started, and I don’t paint fast. Painting fast freaks me out, I tend to be super OCD about my work, and I’ll check things more times than I can count. These murals were for businesses, schools, and private clients. I like to work with everybody. It keeps things fun.
How did the mural come about at the new restaurant, Il Dono?
Il Dono came about because the owner, Justin Vitella, is a client of mine from his businesses in Lambertville! I met him through a previous venture with my dear friend, Joe Crozier, from Bridge Street Burgers, when I did a mural there. So, when Justin called about Il Dono opening, I was beyond excited!
Why the black and white and focal-point color combination on this piece?
The black and white was all Justin’s idea— I can’t take credit for that one. He wanted something that resembled a vintage Italian aesthetic, to help portray the story and inspiration behind his restaurant, his grandma! We based it off vintage Italian “Pasta Ambra” pieces and wanted to make it resemble an old photograph. And as time went on, we thought it would be fun to add a pop of color to the spaghetti. You know, it was one of those things where we said, why not?
Is there a lot of collaboration with the clients on designs?
Absolutely. Yes. I won’t do it any other way! My clients are always involved with 100% of the process, from start to finish. It’s not just “my” piece, it’s ours. The ideas come from everything around me. What inspires me or us. I just simply help bring their vision to life! We’re a team and I’m so grateful that I am now at the point where I truly take on projects and do business with people I love.
Who are some of your influences and what did you take away from them?
My influences are everything and everyone around me. First, I thank God for what I have and give that credit because I truly never believed this could be my life. I’m not lucky, this is a blessing and I’m thankful that this is how I give love to the world. Without taking that blind leap of faith back in 2023, I wouldn’t have any of this. My community of creators and friends around me, the amazingly brilliant artists that live in this river town that are living out their dreams alongside me and with me, my incredibly supportive family and fiancé, who inspire me to say yes to love each and every day. I also think about the ones that aren’t here anymore. I say yes for them, too. My dad died 10 years ago, and there was a time where he was the only person on this planet who believed I’d make it as an artist.
He used to make me watch Bob Ross and tell me that it “was my world” and if I could dream something, I could make it happen. Growing up, we didn’t really have any money for me to go to school or anything like that, and my mom got diagnosed with cancer shortly after my dad died. So, the only option I had was to do it for myself, and everyone around me, and use all the love from my world along the way to guide me.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
I love this question. Because it’s real. And to be honest, becoming an artist had its fair share of struggles for me personally. When I started out, there were many months when I didn’t know where the rent was going to come from. Living in a town that especially now has become quite monopolized unfortunately as locals have really struggled financially. As the costs of living keep going up. Like the ones keeping this town alive and employed are being pushed out due to rising prices on everything. A one-bedroom apartment here could be three grand.
To some people, they don’t bat an eyelash at that. But to me, that’s a lot. I used to make myself sick worrying and praying for the answer to make rent for my home and my studio. I took on many jobs over the course of several years, just trying to make ends meet. All I knew was that I couldn’t give up. So, I didn’t. And there were so many people who helped me along the way, just because I didn’t throw in the towel.
What is on the horizon? What are you looking forward to?
What’s on the horizon for me? Doing exactly what I’m doing now! I wouldn’t change a thing. Getting to work with local businesses and friends, I love this river town and if I was exactly where I am now this year too, I’d be more than content. I just want to make art in the community that I love. To me, that’s really all I need.
Instagram: @yourfriendhope.
Lambertville-based muralist Hope Gaburo with her latest work at Il Dono restaurant in Hamilton.,
