Today we’d like to introduce you to VIE DUNN-HARR.
Hi VIE, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for creating began at a young age. I grew up in a joyful, imaginative home filled with projects—from stained glass and painting to building. My mother, who dabbled in painting, was also the first female journeyman engraver at the San Antonio Light newspaper. She worked with many prominent artists of our city, and they gave her tips on artists/mentors and opportunities for me to study. By the age of 15, I began private painting classes.
When my friends were heading off to college, I told my parents I was going to become an artist. Their response was simple: “Then you must be excellent.” I took that to heart. I worked a variety of jobs while attending art classes in the evenings, seeking out painting workshops across the U.S. and studying at art academies abroad.
At 19, I began exhibiting at the JR Mooney Gallery and was soon invited to show at other galleries. While I had developed strong technical skills, I knew there was still much to learn on an intuitive level. At 21, I started teaching painting classes which became one of my greatest teachers, and by 27, I committed fully to self-employment as an artist.
Now, 45 years later, I continue passionately exploring the endless possibilities in making art, knowing that there are no limits to creative expression. I am deeply grateful for the experiences I’ve had and for the many people who have shared this journey with me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life’s roads are never entirely smooth, and my journey as an artist has been no exception. There have been moments of uncertainty, questioning the direction of my work in a competitive arena, alongside financial pressures dependent on solid decisions. At the same time, the challenge of growing technically and intuitively have always been present. And yet, I believe it has been during the most challenging periods that my art has reached new heights.
After working in oil medium for over 40 years and fine tuning the approach and style that I was recognized for, I developed an allergic reaction to the medium and I collapsed while teaching a workshop. OH MAMMA MIA! It was a very difficult time. I was in galleries across the nation and knew that the medium was crucial in providing that opportunity. I worked in a hazmat suit for 3 years trying to continue painting with oils and then the protective gear would no longer protect me. Broken hearted, I surrendered and began working with acrylics, which I knew very little about. Although I knew how to paint, I felt like I was starting over. I took several workshops with Joan Fullerton of Colorado who I consider my acrylic guru, and contacted David Mankin of Cornwall, UK for some advice on working with acrylics. They were both extremely generous with information and I was then ready to reinvent my work.
While visiting La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain as the colors of the stained-glass windows fell in my lap, I had an awakening…..the medium no longer mattered…..what did I want to say? That continues to be my pursuit.
Each challenge has offered an opportunity to learn, to adapt, and to deepen my understanding of who I am. I’m an artist, curious, resilient and full of determination.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
With an art career that spans 50+ years, my work has evolved across a wide range of subjects, including figures, portraits, still life, and architecture. Today, my most recognized works almost always include flowers. My paintings are abstractions inspired by interior spaces and architectural elements with realistic flowers emerging. The structural and organic forms are beautiful companions. I also paint iconic religious figures and sacred spaces. My paintings are like a diary of my travels and experiences, and Italy and Spain have had a lasting influence on my artistic voice. I am proud of the beauty in my work and believe my compositions have a unique perspective, and that the combination of the abstract and realism is what sets my work apart.
I also paint in watercolor and enjoy creating watercolor collage works with various papers, words, and memorabilia. These works are primarily abstract.
More recently, I have begun THE CAT CHRONICLES series, and I am excited about this body of work. I adore cats and have an array of models and muses running about my studio.
I’m the proudest of trusting myself in the process of making art and always believing for a fabulous outcome and having the willingness to work for it. I love to paint!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the art world will continue to shift significantly, particularly with the growing emphasis on online promotion and direct-to-collector sales. Many traditional galleries are already adapting or closing, and the role they once played is changing rapidly.
As an artist who comes from an “old school” background, I am accustomed to being represented by galleries and working within that established structure. I really value gallery relationships, but also I recognize that the landscape is evolving, and artists are increasingly responsible for building their own visibility and connections. I’d rather be painting.
Time will tell.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.viedunn-harr.com
- Instagram: ig @ viedunnharr
- Facebook: Facebook Vie Dunn-Harr
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vie-dunn-harr-7175a69
