Meet Bo Sapphire | Artist & Owner of Little Gem Gallery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bo Sapphire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At first I didn’t really have a precise plan. The idea of owning a business was formed after a series of events I experienced.

I always try to be as cost-efficient as possible when it comes to my art practice. I bought my first printer and scanner after I finished grad school so I could keep making art at a low cost. I have always framed my own art as well, but I didn’t know much about it. After I moved to LA I found a part-time job at a local printing and framing shop, where I learned more about framing. My thought at the time was to potentially go into business with the shop owner in the future, knowing my skills as a loyal valuable asset. Unfortunately, that thought died quickly once I started working there and realized the environment was competitive rather than cooperative. As things progressed in the shop, having my own art business grew in my mind. Being undervalued and not feeling equally respected is what drove me to eventually quit and start my own business. Why would I help someone else make more money if I could do everything myself, right?

Now I have my own art business and also running a printing and framing service under Little Gem Gallery.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a photographer and mix-media artist. My current art practice explores cyanotype printmaking and painting and utilizes the unique flora and light of Los Angeles as inspiration. My botanical prints are documents of local plants’ intimate relationship with the sun.

I fell in love with cyanotype process in grad school. I love the blue this media renders, it always reminds me of the ocean. The subject matter of my art changed from landscape to botanic after I moved to L.A. Most of the flowers and plants I used were found in my neighborhood around Los Feliz. This project allows me to get to know this city in an organic way, and it also reminds me of all the small things that matter the most in life but are often taken for granted.

I am a perfectionist when it comes to my art. From making art, to custom framing them, I’m proud that I have the skills to make each piece unique and it’s me 100%. I think that’s what really makes my art stand out from others.

It wasn’t an easy journey to get to where I am today. I worked at a printing and framing shop for nearly half a year. That’s where I realized how valuable and skillful I am. However, I was underpaid and didn’t get the respect or the compensation I deserved. I had to stand up for myself which wasn’t something easy to do especially for an Asian person. But I’m proud that I did. I became a full time artist after I quit that job, and it has been a great journey so far.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For outdoor activities, I’d take my friend go hiking at the Griffith park, go to Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena. Those are my two favorite spots for hiking.

I’d take friends go visit The Getty Museum, Los Angeles County Art Museum and Descanso Gardens,

For food, we’d go to Korean Town for BBQ and Shabu. Then head to Venice to watch sunset.

When I am new to a place, I usually explore coffee shops, hiking trails, botanical gardens or plant shops, and art museums or galleries.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my mom who has always gave me the freedom of wanting a life that is my own; I want to thank my husband who has always supported me and believed in me in every step of the way even when I didn’t believe in myself. He is the reason that I am pursuing my American Dream.

I want to thank my mentor and a very close friend Roland Young, whom taught me the importance of having an open mind in living and in creating and be fearless. I also want to thank my best friend Miguel de Ocampo, even though he is no longer here, but he has always taken care of me like a big brother that I’ve never had.

Website: littlegemgallery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlegemgallery/