Space Invaded.

Dallas' Next Generation of Artists is as Precocious as They Come.

Welcome to Space Invaded, a recurring feature in which we peer into the desirable workspaces of various Dallas creatives and try keep our envy to a minimum.

Gia's only seven. She has a heart of gold and likes getting her hands a little dirty. She's soft-spoken and shy, but once she's comfortable and in her element, you can catch her whizzing by on roller skates with Cheez-Its in hand.

Same goes for once she starts painting or drawing. As an artist, she's as precocious as they come.

Here, she guides us through her workspace — a section on one side of the open layout of her parents' living room and dining room. Large canvases about the size of Gia's body are stacked against walls and, since her father Geoff is an artist too, their work stands side by side.

For the most part, it's roomy enough for her projects. But when the larger pieces are in the works, furniture is pushed to the side, transforming the space from a living room into a bona-fide studio.

For the last six months, Gia and her family have been making weekend trips into the heart of Dallas to hand out goods to the needy. Gia's also auctioned off her art to raise money to purchase coats for homeless people.

Gia's mother, a soccer coach, is proud of how thoughtful her daughter is. She paints a picture of her own about how Gia treats her classmates when they get sick. She always wants to write them a note to make sure they get well soon. Or she'll ask her diabetic grandmother if she needs anything.

We approve of that mentality, so we decided to catch up with Gia to chat about her space and artistic process.

What's the hardest part about being an artist?
Having to get up and go get supplies.

What's your setup like?
I usually like to paint right here [points to floor].

Tell me about your process.
I just think about it from when I go.

Are you a fast worker or slow worker?
Fast.

What do you like to create?
I like doing collages.

What do you like about working inside?
That I don't have to worry about getting bitten by mosquitoes out there.

When is your favorite time to make art?
Usually in the afternoon after school and stuff.

Do you have any preference on light?
That doesn't really matter.

You mentioned that every weekend you come out to the city with your family to feed the homeless. Can you tell me more about that?
They need help if they don't have any help.

What is your favorite place in Dallas?
The Perot Musuem. I like the parts with all the animals, the cheetahs.

If your life was a movie, what would it be titled?
The Beautiful Violet.

What does your dream studio look like?
It would be a bouncy house all over. I would make bouncy art.

If you were a color, what would you be?
Neon pink.

What's your favorite band?
Led Zeppelin

What do you enjoy doing outside of art?
Roller skating.