VANESSA TURNER

Charcoal & Pastel Artist

I believe that we have the ability to empower ourselves, nurture ourselves and evolve our space through art – Vanessa Turner

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Celebrating the Harmony of Culture, Nature & Colour

Artist Statement

I am a self taught charcoal and pastel artist living and working on the beautiful island of Bermuda.

I create art that explores the harmony found between the Afro-Caribbean culture and Mother Nature. Through visual storytelling, and by remaining highly sensitive to the subtleties of light and shadow, I create dramatic nuances that highlight this harmony.

I believe we all have an inherent connection to nature. There is a passionate love for life and all that is alive. The way that we feel when we go outside, is more than a simple case of happiness in the face of beauty. There is something about the natural world that feeds our deepest selves and nurtures us from the inside out. 

No matter how much we may now consider ourselves distinctly separated from our environment, we and Mother Nature are one. The more we embody this concept, the greater our synergy with life. The meaning we make of our lives – what we call our culture, grew from Mother Nature’s soil. Thus, we will be all the more  richer from our understanding of our roots.

My work is created to nurture you, heal you, and evolve your space by drawing a correlation between culture and Mother Nature so that you may bring the beauty of outdoors indoors.

Art That Resonates With You & Nurtures You

The common problem facing art collectors is the difficulty in finding high quality art that really resonates with them.

Vanessa’s collectors are moved by artwork that reflects their taste, and philosophies. Whether you are adding to your collection or making your first fine art purchase, Vanessa’s work will nurture you from the inside out while growing in value day after day.

Collectors pride themselves in making their spaces feel comfortable and welcoming while knowing that they own one of a kind artwork.

You can view all available works here. To discuss your purchase of any original artwork, please contact me. International shipping is available and local purchases (within Bermuda) are hand delivered.

With a high level of customer service, I will ensure the experience of collecting art is enjoyable and easy for you.

Biography

Vanessa Turner is described as a multi-passionate multi-careerist. She is an artist, creativity coach and engineer.

Vanessa is a self-taught artist living and working on the beautiful island of Bermuda and primarily works in charcoal and pastel. She has been exhibiting professionally for a number of years and is the recipient of numerous awards. Her work is published internationally and she is represented in many private collections around the globe. Vanessa’s latest solo exhibitions include ‘Roots to Royalty in 2018 and ‘Commonplace Beauty in 2015 which each received rave reviews.

Her painting techniques stem from trial and error. So, over the years she has developed her own techniques which primarily encompass bits and pieces from the many approaches she has learned over time. Vanessa does not follow any particular school of thought and prefers to use painting techniques that are reliable yet fun.

Vanessa takes care to use top of the line archival materials for her art and framing to ensure her work lasts for generations to come.

Resume/CV

Selected Solo & Group Exhibitions

Vanishing Boundaries Exhibition – Akwaaba Gallery Newark, New Jersey (2020)
Emancipation Exhibition – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2020)
‘Live Love Life’ Anti Violence Exhibition – The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art (2020)

Charman Prize Exhibition – The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art (2019)
Member’s Fall Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2019)
Pink – The Bermuda Arts Centre Dockyard (2019)

Solo Exhibition: Rots to Royalty – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2018)
Member’s Spring Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2018)
Sea & Sky – The Bermuda Arts Centre Dockyard (2018)

Small Works Show – The Bermuda Arts Center Dockyard (2017)

Tranquility – The Bermuda Arts Centre Dockyard (2015)
Purple – The Bermuda Arts Centre Dockyard (2015)
Atlantic Garden – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2015)

Custom Made (Frameworks Bermuda) – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2014)
Member’s Summer Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2014)
Slow Down Look Around – The Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard (2014)

Small Works Holiday Show – The Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard (2013)
Solo Exhibition: Commonplace Beauty – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2013)
Annual Drawing & Painting Competition (Juried) – The Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard (2013) 
Member’s Winter Show – The Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard (2013)

Small Works Show – The Bermuda Arts Center (2012)
Wet Exhibition – The Bermuda Arts Center (2012)
Member’s Fall Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2012)
Summer Lovin (Select Artists Collaboration) – Common Ground Cafe (2012)
Member’s Spring Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2012)

Just Pastels XI – The Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard (2011)
Charman Prize (Juried) – The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art (2011)
Member’s Spring Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2011)

Member’s Winter Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2010)
Just Pastels X – The Bermuda Arts Center at Dockyard (2010) 

The Bacardi Biennial – The Bermuda National Gallery (2006)

Awards, Recognition & Special Engagements

2019 Outstanding Contribution to the Arts – The Government of Bermuda, Dept. of Education
2018 Artist Talk – The Bermuda College, Lifelong Learning Program
2013 Honourable Mention – Bermuda Arts Center, Annual Drawing & Painting Competition

Publications & Features

A Portrait Drawing of “Indomitable Will”,  Cherie Haas, Online Editor, 
Art Journey Portraits and Figures, Edited by Rachel Rubin Wolf, ISBN 1440336997

Professional Development

Building the Coaching Relationship with Creative Clients (R. Fortier), 2019
Business Planning and Success Strategies for Creativity Coaches (S. Good), 2019
Introduction to Creativity Coaching (Dr. E. Maisel), 2019
Advanced Creativity Coaching (Dr. E. Maisel), 2019
New Masters Academy, 2017
International Association of Pastel Societies Biennial Convention (Workshops & Demos), 2017
International Association of Pastel Societies Biennial Convention (Workshops & Demos), 2013
The Sharon Wilson School of Art, 2010 – 2012

Professional Affiliations

Creativity Coaching Association
Bermuda Society of Arts
The Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard
The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
The Pastel Society of America

Mediums

Vanessa Turner primarily works in pastel and charcoal. You can read more about each medium below:

What is pastel?

Pastel is created by combining powdered pure pigment with a binder, a combination which dates back to prehistoric cave paintings. However, pastels as we know them today, date back to the late 1400s. The term pastel painting refers to artwork where the pastel covers the majority of the support, leaving little paper visible. Ultimately, when protected by glass, pastel often outlast works in other mediums. It never cracks, darkens or fades.

What is charcoal?

Charcoal is a dry art medium made from grounded materials held together by binder. Firstly, there are three main types of charcoal.  Compressed charcoal is typically shaped into sticks and/or blocks. Vine charcoal is created by burning sticks in vines in a kiln without air. Lastly, similar to graphite pencils, charcoal pencils are made from compressed charcoal wrapped with a layer of wood.

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