Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vivian McDuffie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vivian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

When I was 17, math and art were my favorite subjects. I opted to major in engineering at Ohio State because it seemed more practical. It was not a fit. After two years I dropped out of college.

While there, I took one art course. One day the instructor said to me “While I tell most of my students that they have something to get out of studying art, you have something to give.”

Ten years later I returned to school, having worked, traveled, married and becoming a single parent. My choices of schools were now limited by geography. No more Pratt, Cooper Union or Art Students League. However making the choice to major in art at Rutgers in Newark, NJ was a eureka.

Learning my craft with all of its trials and achievements was well worth it. Being able to adorn private homes, museums and other public spaces is so rewarding. My regret is that I didn’t start when I was 17.

P.S. I still like math.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My work is organic and borrows from forms found in nature. In nature disparate objects take on similar forms. The tributaries of a river can resemble the branches of a tree. The layers of the dermis resemble the walls of a canyon revealing the the history of past millenniums.

In my abstract works other worlds and beings can be imagined. Some paintings are more representational and deal with the human condition both personal and political.

Color permeates everything. I paint in many mediums, however oil seems to dominate. It is the most forgiving and allows me to change the composition, even the direction of a work. This is important because in the beginning I often do not have a clear and focused direction. It is a journey to a place as yet unseen.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

1. The value of a good agent especially when you are not good at promoting yourself. C’est moi.
2. Never say no to an opportunity.
3. Be more confident and always express my truth.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is the moments when I realize a work is finished. There are paintings that are not complete to this day. Some I have abandoned. Others are still waiting.

The second most rewarding thing is how varied the response is to any given work from viewer to viewer. Some can see immediately my intentions. Others have a more expansive view. My abstracts are intended to be a place that is yet unseen. A friend told me that one particular abstract of mine was not an abstract at all but a painting of “The Creation.” How wonderful!! I’ll take it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Vivianmcduffie-artist.com Artsy-Discovery and Buy https//www.artsy.net/ Violettheoryart.com