Vanessa Turner
Bermudian pastel and charcoal artist.
Celebrating the harmony of culture, colour, & mother nature.
"The more the art dominated my life and my house, the more the house became a home." - Burt Reynolds, Architectural Digest 1983
About Vanessa
Artist Statement
I am entranced by the mesmerizing interplay of Culture, Color, and Mother Nature in my artistic expression. Through my work, I aim to exalt and bring to light the profound beauty that emerges from the harmonious convergence of these three elements.
Culture is a wellspring of inspiration, and I find myself deeply engaged with the vibrant tapestry of Caribbean heritage. From the intricate patterns adorning textiles to the rhythmic beats echoing through the air, the island culture saturates my art with a profound and meaningful depth.
Color, a universal language that speaks directly to our emotions, is a central focus of my exploration. I delve into the vivid hues of our planet, from the fiery oranges of sunsets to the lush greens of subtropical canopies. Color is not merely a visual element in my work; it serves as a vessel for evoking emotions, stimulating contemplation, and inspiring awe.
Mother Nature, with boundless creativity, stands as my muse. As the master artist, she weaves intricate patterns in the petals of a flower, paints vivid sunsets across the sky, and sculpts majestic landscapes. In her presence, I discover tranquility and inspiration. My art seeks to honor her work and emphasize the urgent need to preserve and protect our natural world for future generations.
The intersection of culture, color, and Mother Nature continues to be an endless source of wonder for me. Each piece I create serves as a testament to the beauty of our world and the unity inherent in our diversity. I hope that my work resonates with your soul, fostering a celebration of our shared human experience, sparking meaningful conversations, and inspiring a deeper connection with the world around us. Together, let us cherish the cultural tapestry, revel in the brilliance of color, and safeguard the sanctity of Mother Nature’s creations.
Artist Biography & CV
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ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Vanessa Turner is often described as a multi-passionate multi-careerist. Her diverse pursuits include being an artist, creativity coach, and engineer.
Residing and creating on the picturesque island of Bermuda, Vanessa is a self-taught artist specializing in charcoal and pastel mediums. With several years of professional exhibition experience, she has garnered numerous awards and achieved international recognition, with her work finding a place in private collections worldwide.
Vanessa’s artistic journey has been marked by a process of trial and error, leading her to develop unique techniques that blend various approaches learned over time. Unconstrained by adherence to any specific school of thought, she embraces painting techniques that are both reliable and enjoyable.
A commitment to excellence is evident in Vanessa’s choice of top-tier archival materials for her art and framing. This meticulous approach ensures the longevity of her work, preserving it for generations to come.
In alignment with her artistic philosophy, Vanessa is captivated by the interplay of Culture, Color, and Mother Nature. Her creations reflect a celebration of these elements, echoing the profound beauty that arises when they converge. Through her art, Vanessa aims to resonate with the viewer’s soul, fostering a connection to the shared human experience and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
ARTIST CURRICULUM VITAE
Selected Solo & Group Exhibitions
Ancestral Call – Akwaaba Gallery Newark, New Jersey (2021)
Member’s Summer Show – The Bermuda Society of Arts (2021)
Marks of Distinction – Central Mass Pastel Society (2021)
Soul of a Badass Warrior – Akwaaba Gallery Newark, New Jersey (2021)
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: Roots 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, January 8, 2015
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