We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trine Bumiller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Trine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’m currently working on a project that is deeply meaningful to me, entitled Wetland Narratives. This project explores wetland landscapes from around the world, focusing on their ecological significance and cultural impact. It consists of forty watercolor studies and forty oil paintings, each depicting a different wetland environment. In addition, I am creating large-scale hanging textiles featuring images of specific plants found in marshes. These works will be installed in varying arrangements, depending on the space they occupy.

My interest in wetlands began with their role in protecting the city of Venice from the effects of rising waters in the Venetian Lagoon. Through my research, I’ve discovered that wetlands are vital ecosystems globally. They help regulate water flow, prevent flooding, sequester more atmospheric carbon than forests, provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife, and support local economies—particularly in underserved communities where women make up a significant part of the labor force.

Wetlands also hold a prominent place in mythology and folklore, often seen as mysterious realms inhabited by spirits and mythical creatures. This rich cultural significance adds to their mystique. I am particularly drawn to the beauty of the intersection between water, land, plant life, and sky.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I primarily work in oils on panels but also explore watercolor, textiles, and installations. My practice focuses on nature-based abstraction, integrating themes of landscape, memory, and the interplay between humans and the environment. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting in museums and galleries worldwide, and completing large-scale commissions for venues such as the Colorado Convention Center, the Four Seasons Hotel, the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, and the University of Colorado. I’ve been represented by Robischon Gallery in Denver for the past 30 years.

I grew up in a creative house—my father, an architect and travel filmmaker, filled our home with artifacts from around the world and introduced me to sophisticated art materials at an early age. My mother, a nurse from Denmark, brought hand-painted textiles and pottery from my Danish grandmother to our home. This art-centric environment was inspirational to say the least, and both parents supported my pursuit of art. After getting a BFA at the Rhode Island School of Design, I moved to New York City, where I worked at the Betty Parsons Gallery with the estates of iconic artists like Jackson Pollock and Clyfford Still, and later at Jack Tilton Gallery with artists such as Kiki Smith. Eventually I relocated to Colorado to become a full-time artist.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love being an artist, despite its challenges. Seeing the world through a unique, wordless lens and transforming materials into something new is deeply fulfilling. Sharing my work with audiences worldwide and knowing it lives on in public spaces, museums, and homes is incredibly rewarding—it gives me a sense of legacy. I cherish my artist communities, where exchanging ideas and practices is important to my growth as an artist and as a person . Art has taken me around the world, allowing me to exhibit in wide ranging places, as well as visit many museums and exhibitions. I’ve seen firsthand how art encourages expression and community across societies, ages, and cultures.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

There needs to be greater support for the arts, as societies that prioritize the arts tend to thrive. This support can take many forms, but financial backing is the most important. Financial freedom would allow artists to take creative risks, produce meaningful work beyond commercial value, and make art accessible to more people. Access to affordable housing and studio space is also crucial, especially as rising real estate costs push artists out of cities like Denver. Increased government subsidies and private support are essential for sustaining the arts. Finally, I hope to see greater appreciation for art’s role in encouraging expression, community, and beauty in our lives. When this value is recognized, artists will be better supported and celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.trinebumiller.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bumiller_art, www.instagram.com/trinebumiller
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trinebumiller.artist/, https://www.facebook.com/trine.bumiller/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trine-bumiller-4a73b635/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/trinebumiller

Image Credits

Wes Magyar, Kora Monigle, Trine Bumiller