Today we’d like to introduce you to Vickie VanHurley.
Hi Vickie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m an artist as well as an educator. I’m blessed to combine the two. I teach aspiring designers, creative thinkers as well as those creative veterans with the desire for further development. In the creative/design field. I teach/train, and educate in formal settings such as higher education (universities, colleges) as well as informal settings such as webinars, workshops, conference speakers, and consulting (brand development).
I have over 30 years of experience as a creative branding professional in the marketing and packaging industry and a professor in higher education. It was in November of 2022 that I decided to place more focus and energy on my first passion, my art.
I’ve always been an artist. I was told I always had a pencil in my hand since I could hold one. In other words, I’ve been drawing my entire life. My subject of choice is the human figure. It is complex, beautiful, and unique. Faces are my absolute favorite because no two are alike and so full of emotion.
Since relocating to central Florida from Michigan, I have had my work exhibited in Osceola Arts, Polk County Art, and A Perfect Union Gallery, as well as participated as a vendor at the Apopka International Jazz Festival, exhibited at Uptown Art Expo, and the Folk and Urban Art Festival.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My response to questions like this is, life is a journey of unknowns without guarantees! For me, one of my greatest challenges is to balance time between my artist life and my educator, business life. The second challenge I have encountered along my journey as an artist is gaining access to the fine art industry. The fine art industry (galleries, art fairs) is a “pay to play” industry.
Meaning you are required to submit your work for consideration (for a fee). If your artwork is accepted into an art fair there is an additional booth fee anywhere from $300-$800 required to be present to sell your artwork. Art galleries have a commission of 30%-50% on all artwork sales. Costs and commissions can create a barrier to entry or a definite obstacle if there is very little return on investment.
I’ve noticed many gallery “call for artist” gallery shows in central Florida have a theme and if my artwork doesn’t fit the theme, that is not an opportunity to show and sell my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a human figure artist. My style is realistic in representation. I use graphite pencils, colored pencils, or ballpoint ink pens to create my art. I’m known for drawing faces, and portraits.
I’m most proud of my ability to capture expression and how people relate to my art. I witnessed one viewer in tears explain to me “I’m sorry, I can’t stop crying because your work is so beautiful.”
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s so difficult to predict with the rapid rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) generated Art. I understand how technology used as a tool can help complete production processes.
However, the technology is a tool, not a replacement. I’m cautious of AI-generated Art will reduce the perceived value and demand for original artwork. I’m also cautious of potential legal issues (ownership, copyright infringement, imposter Art).
Pricing:
- $500
- $600
- $800
- $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vickievanhurleyart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myartistlife923
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedIn.com/dr. vickie vanhurley
