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

Victoria , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic path professionally while completing my undergraduate degree. However, at that time, I lacked a clear roadmap to turn that interest into a career. It took several years of exploring various roles within the art world before I gradually transitioned into a full-time artist. I went from working at an art gallery to being an artist studio assistant in Houston, my hometown, to moving on to New York City working in a gallery and after 7 years moved to Tokyo with my then boyfriend, now husband.

There wasn’t a single defining moment, but rather a gradual shift towards dedicating myself to art. An important phase of this journey was my time in Tokyo, where visa restrictions prevented me from traditional employment. As a result, I transformed the second bedroom of our apartment into a studio, allowing me to paint while immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Japan and other Asian countries for two years.

Upon relocating to San Francisco, it felt like a natural progression to continue my pursuit of art as a full-time endeavor. I developed connections with the local art community joined a studio building with many artists, exhibited my work in different galleries and art centers, and sought opportunities to learn professional practices and the intricacies of managing an art business. For example, I took a course called Taking the Leap that helped me hone my business skills and build up my confidence.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I graduated with a BFA in 1990 , and, like many artists, I encountered the challenge of transitioning from academia to the art world. There was a lack of guidance on how to sustain a living as an artist, as the focus was often on pursuing a teaching career. To gain real-world art experience, I worked at a gallery, where I learned about the administrative side of the art business. It was a revelation that selling art required proactive efforts, including marketing, relationship-building, and promoting exhibitions. This experience led me to work for established artists, and their mentorship encouraged me to pursue a career as a full-time artist. After moving to New York and briefly attending graduate school, I decided to dive into the art world. I spent five years at a contemporary art gallery, learning about the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry.

The key lesson I gleaned from this journey is that creating art is just the beginning. Marketing, building relationships, and perseverance are equally vital. Wherever I lived, I had a studio and continued my painting practice, understanding that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path to becoming a professional artist.
I’ve been a dedicated artist for over 30 years, capturing the essence of nature through the interplay of light and form. My work transcends visual representation, focusing on the emotional memory of places and moments.  Despite the diverse experiences and influences I’ve encountered; the landscape remains the constant focus of my creative expression. I’ve exhibited nationally and internationally. My paintings reside in numerous corporate and private collections.

Participating in artist residencies has been a pivotal aspect of my artistic practice. These opportunities have taken me to diverse landscapes and regions, allowing me to explore the dramatic shifts in light and color that each landscape offers. What has made this journey even more significant is that it has given me the privilege of recording landscapes that are undergoing profound and irreversible transformations due to the pressing issue of climate change.

My travels have led me to a range of captivating locations, from the verdant landscapes of Japan and the vibrant tapestry of India to the stark majesty of Iceland and the icy beauty of Finland. Closer to home, I’ve explored the stunning vistas of Vermont and California. Each of these journeys has left an indelible mark on my artistic vision, allowing me to share not only the fleeting moments of light in these diverse places, but also a testament to the urgency of preserving our natural world in the face of environmental challenges.

In the studio, I work from photos and memories, creating series of paintings with warm underpaintings, building layers to achieve an ethereal glow. My art is not just a visual experience but an immersion in the ever-changing beauty of nature.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Many people, including fellow creatives, often struggle to grasp the complexities of earning a living as an artist. It’s not merely about creating art; it’s akin to running a small business with numerous responsibilities.

In addition to producing art, I dedicate substantial time to marketing my work on social media, seeking exhibition opportunities, and writing proposals. I handle administrative tasks like managing finances, tracking inventory, and maintaining relationships with galleries and collectors. Staying updated on the local art scene and participating in gallery and museum events is crucial.

Moreover, there’s the often-overlooked emotional aspect. Dealing with rejection is a significant part of the journey, and it’s essential not to let it deter you or hinder your creativity. I commit to my studio work every weekday, whether inspiration strikes or not, recognizing that there’s always something to be done, even if it’s contemplation of works in progress.

The path can be slow and unforgiving, and the artist must develop a resilient mindset. It’s challenging not to take rejection personally because, in a way, each piece is a part of the artist’s soul. The life of a creative is a dynamic blend of artistry, entrepreneurship, and emotional resilience.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In my journey as an entrepreneur and artist, I’ve drawn significant inspiration and knowledge from a variety of resources and communities. Alyson Stanfield’s work has been a cornerstone of my learning since the early 2000s. Her workshops, online courses, and her best-selling book ‘I’d Rather Be In The Studio’ have been instrumental in shaping my approach to managing my art career. I also believe in the power of communities and networks. Netvrrk, a community for mid-career artists, has helped with refining my approach in seeking opportunities. Additionally, being part of a mastermind group has been invaluable. These discussions provide insights on how to propel my career forward and keep me engaged with the latest industry trends.

Mentoring through organizations like NCWCA (Northern California Womens Caucus for Art) has been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to give back and, in the process, sharpen my own skills. Learning from different perspectives is a core belief of mine, as I’ve found that each person I encounter adds something new and valuable to my knowledge bank. The continuous quest for knowledge and connection with others has been a driving force in shaping my management and entrepreneurial philosophy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://veedell.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/victoria_veedell
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/victoriaveedellstudio
• Youtube: https://youtu.be.com/victoriaveedell

Image Credits
Jonathan Botkin