SPOTLIGHT ON VIE DUNN-HARR: A 50-Year Artistic Journey and the Inspirations Behind the Canvas
Inthismonth’sissue,itisourpleasuretointroduceyoutoVie Dunn-Harr, one of San Antonio's most gifted and accomplished artists. Vie shares her insights into her choice ofmediums,heruniquepre-creationritual,andtheprofound emotionsbehindherart.
Q: Many artists have a special ritual or routine before they start creating. Can you share an unusualorunexpectedpre-creationritualyouhave?
A: I am an evening/night painter and so I wake later than most My first stop in the morning is my studio to retrieve the painting left on the easel the night before. I stand it against the living room wall, then visit with it as I share several espressos with my husband. Each glance reveals the next steps I make mental notes and sometimes reinvent it on paper which may require a third espresso
Q: Many artists find inspiration in unexpected places. Can you share a story about a seemingly mundaneoreverydayexperiencethatsparkedaremarkableartisticidea?
A: Many times, as blossoms and leaves crumble and fall to the floor, I will collect them and place them on my work table. These textures can inspire new paintings but also remind me of the beauty of nature and creation, even when decomposing a metaphor for the cycle of life! “BEYOND THE SILENCE” was inspired in this way Ultimately, all of life is inspiring. Even in somber times, fabulous paintings are realized. I do tend to paint on the sunny side but some of my most profound artworks have been painted in a season of loss.
Q: Art often reflects the artist's emotions and experiences. Can you describe a specific piece of your art that embodies aparticularlypowerfulemotionormomentinyourlife?
A: Many of my works are reflections of my travels. Walking through distant cultures can become very personal and a part of my story.
In 2006, as I wandered through the Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno in Genoa, Italy, a beautifully sculpted angel was encountered. I knew I would portray this emotional and inspiring moment; what I didn’t know was when! Each year as I traveled to Italy to work, teach, or paint I would carry the image of this angel with me, intending to paint it Somehow the time was never right. It was in 2020 during the global pandemic that I summoned this angel to the canvas. With many losses and challenges during those days, the angel’s pose spoke loudly and emotionally to what many of us were feeling. Amidst the chaos and demands of this world, an angel reclines into the turquoise haze and rests It was titled “Anointed and Sustained” as a reminder that we are strong and blessed even in moments of surrender…
“Creativity and the skill of an artist evolves . . . it grows, it wanes, it explodes, and then starts over.”
Q: What themes or ideas are you currently exploring in your work, and how do you hope to makeanimpactwithyourart?
A: After a visit to La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain a Church Series was born In 2017 as I set in this glorious basilica, the colors of the stained glass windows fell in my lap and I knew that there was so much to say on canvas in response to this experience. It was an awakening. The work of genius designer and architect Antoni Gaudi had spoken to me 100 years after his death Collaboration amongst artists is infinite.
The Church Series continues and flowers reign in Dunn-Harr Studios I have found that architectural and floral elements are beautiful companions!
“I would like for my art to be a unique and personal experience for those who are drawn in, for collector’s spaces and daily lives to be enriched by the presence of my art, and for the Church Series to speak to one’s curiosity and intrigue with sacred places and moments.“Lily Avenue – Vie Dunn-Harr –27.6″ x 27.6″ – Oil on Canvas
DEBUNKINGMISCONCEPTIONS:ACRYLICVS.OILPAINTINGSINTHEARTWORLD
When it comes to original paintings, one of the most common misconceptions is the belief that oil paintings are inherently superior to acrylics. While both mediums have their unique characteristics and advantages, it's important to dispel this myth and appreciate the qualities of each on their ownmerits.
Misconception 1: Oil Paintings AreMoreValuable
One of the most pervasive myths is that oil paintings are more valuable than acrylics While it's true that many iconic masterpieces were created using oil paints, the value of a painting isn't solely determined by the medium Factors such as the artist's skill, the subject matter, and historical significance play a significant role in determining a painting's worth. Acrylic paintings by renowned artists can be just as valuableandsoughtafter.
Misconception 2: Acrylics Lack DepthandTexture
Another misconception is that acrylics lack the depth and textureachievedwithoils.
However, modern acrylic paints and techniques have evolved significantly. Acrylics can be layered, glazed, and textured to create a wide range of effects, from smooth and glossy to heavily textured and impasto. Artists can experiment with additives and mediums to achieve the desired texture and depthintheiracrylicworks.
Misconception 3: Oils Have BetterColorVibrancy
It'softenassumedthatoilpaints offersuperiorcolorvibrancyand longevity While oil paints do have a reputation for rich color, acrylics have come a long way in this regard Acrylic pigments are now available in a vast array of vibrant hues, and they are less prone to yellowing and crackingovertimecomparedto someoil-basedpigments
Misconception 4: Acrylics Dry TooQuickly
Some artists worry that acrylics dry too quickly, making them difficult to work with, especially for detailed or intricate pieces. Whileacrylicsdodryfasterthan oils, this characteristic can be anadvantageforartistswho
prefer a quicker workflow Moreover, artists can extend the drying time by using acrylic retarders or working with a wet palette.
The quality of a painting should not be determined solely by the medium used Both acrylic and oil paintings can achieve outstandingresultsinthehands of skilled artists Each medium has its unique advantages and characteristics, making it important for artists and collectors alike to appreciate the diversity and versatility of both acrylic and oil paintings. Ultimately, it's the artist's vision, technique, and creativity that define the quality of an original painting, not the type of paint used.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IN SAN ANTONIO: A YEAR-ROUND CELEBRATION WITH LOCALARTISTRY
p y y y g andvibrantculturehavecontributedtothegrowingpopularityofthiscolorfulandmeaningfulholiday.
TheSanAntonioArtistsCollectiveshowcasesanimpressivearrayoforiginalDiadelosMuertospaintingsby local artists, allowing residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the spirit of the holiday year-round TheseartworkscapturetheessenceofDiadelosMuertos,honoringtraditionwhileembracingthecreativity andtalentofthecity'sartists,makingSanAntonioavibranthubforthischerishedMexicantradition.
FiestaDiadelosMuertos–Antonio(Tony)Garcia–36″x 48″–OilonCanvas
NuestrasMusicasVol 1–JoaoQuiroz–24″x 36″–AcryliconCanvas
NiñosconMáscaras–MauroMurillo–36″x36″–AcryliconCanvas
MuñecaMariaOtomi(Catrina)–RicardoRodriguez–31″x39″–MixedMediaonFiberArt
PachucoDeOro–JoaoQuiroz–48″x 60″–MixedMediaonCanvas
–OilonCanvas
RiverainvitaaPosadasaSanAntonio –VARUArtStudios–26″x38″–Acrylic ongallerywrapcanvas
DIADELOSMUERTOSALTARS,OR "OFRENDAS,"AREMULTI-TIERED STRUCTURESRICHINSYMBOLISM THEYTYPICALLYCONSISTOFTHREE MAINLEVELS:
GroundLevel(NivelTerrenal): Thebaserepresentstheearthly realmandfeaturesmarigold petals,candles,andpapel picado Awhiteclothorpapelde chinamaybeaddedforpurity.
MiddleLevel(NivelIntermedio): Thissectionservesasatransition betweenworlds Photographsof thedeceased,sugarskulls (calaveras),andpersonal mementosaredisplayedhere
TopLevel(NivelEspiritual):
Thehighesttierrepresentsthe spiritualrealmandcontains religioussymbols,suchas crossesorimagesofsaints.It alsohostsofferingsoffoodand beverages,likepandemuerto (breadofthedead)andthe departed'sfavoritedishesor drinks Aglassofwateris includedtoquenchthespirits' thirstaftertheirjourney.
Thearrangementand componentscanvarywidely,as creativityandpersonal preferencesplayasignificant roleinaltardesign
DiadelosMuertosaltars facilitateaconnectionbetween thelivingandthedeparted, allowingfamiliestocelebrate andremembertheirlovedones inavibrantandmeaningfulway.
Inthisshortvideo,AngelesSalinas unveilsourbeautifulaltaratthe ShopsatLaCantera,celebrating therichtraditionandcultureof thischerishedMexicanholiday.
