VICTORIA LYNN PIERCE

Creativity has always been part of my identity. As life has unfolded, offering me experiences both good and bad, the drive to create has kept me alive and excited. It is a rare day that goes by that I don’t create, even if it is a new way to arrange the coffee table.

Many wonderful artists have nurtured my creativity and passion for art. It has been terrific studying with MaryAnn Beckwith, Pat Dews, Don Getz, Robert Burridge, Pat San Souci, Cheng-Khee Chee, Mary Alice Braukman, and Fred Graff. I have also been fortunate to be mentored by watercolorist Taylor Ikin. She has given me 'permission' to paint what I feel, not just what I see. Winning a national competition has given me the energy and belief in myself to go forward without fear.

Learning is never a time loss and you can always save the paper with a coat of gesso. In fact the prizewinning picture Santa Fe has had many lives before its current champion incarnation. When the white paper angst hits I turn to my notebooks full of images from magazines, newspapers, calendars, menus, playbills, and anything with great design. I also find inspiration in the book "The Art Spirit" by Robert Henri. When I find myself trying to 'paint to please' I read and reread "We must paint only what is important to us, must not respond to outside demands. They do not know what they want, or what we have to give."