Vian Borchert is a distinguished contemporary artist whose expressive and emotionally charged works have captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning decades, Borchert blends a painterly approach with abstract and impressionistic elements, drawing deep inspiration from nature, memory, and personal experience.

Raised in an environment steeped in artistic influence, her journey from a creative childhood to a celebrated fine artist and educator is as rich and nuanced as her art. In this exclusive interview, Vian shares insights into her artistic process, the inspirations that fuel her creativity, and the resilience it takes to thrive in today’s ever-evolving art world.

Can you tell our readers about your childhood, family, and the environment you grew up in? Were you an artistic child?

My childhood was deeply immersed in art, as my mother is a professional artist and my father is an art collector. I was raised in a family where creativity was a cornerstone, cultivating an environment that fostered artistic development and expression. Growing up, seeing my mother standing by an easel while listening to classical music like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 instilled in me a natural affinity for art, making it an integral part of my daily life.

Yes, I was definitely an artistic child. I loved art from a very young age and everything about it. Attending art exhibitions with my parents, being around their artist friends, and listening to art discussions all broadened my appreciation for the arts. For me, art was as essential as nourishment. As a child, I had a desk in a quiet corner of the house where I would retreat to draw and paint. In that space, I would enter my own world of artistry and dreamscape. I have always been a dreamer, from childhood to this day. My childhood was a tapestry of artistic immersion, intellectual stimulation, and emotional expression. The nurturing environment provided by my family, combined with my personal experiences, played a pivotal role in shaping me into the artist I am today.

What inspired you to become an artist?

First and foremost, seeing my mother paint in front of me as a child made me want to become an artist. My father, a nature lover, often took us on countryside trips where we would hike and explore wildflower fields. These experiences instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature’s beauty. Such early encounters helped me connect with my sources of inspiration and shaped my creative identity.

How would you describe your art style, and how long did it take you to master it?

My art style is expressive and painterly, with abstract and minimal elements. There are hints of impressionism, especially in my landscape work. I would say it took me a lifetime to develop my style, which continues to evolve and refine as I grow older. My vision becomes clearer with time, especially regarding what I want to represent in my art. As an art educator of over two decades and a seasoned artist, the mastery of my craft has been shaped by years of consistent practice.

What materials do you use, and how long does it take for you to create an artwork on average?

I primarily use acrylic paints on canvas. As a painter, I love working with paint tubes, pigments, and brushes of varying sizes to create the painterly elements and brushstrokes I want to express. Depending on the work, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete an artwork. My creative process is heavily influenced by my mood—I need to be in the right mindset to produce effectively.

How do you decide what size an artwork will be, and what is the typical size of your art?

Over the years, I’ve noticed that I gravitate toward certain sizes, particularly square and rectangular canvases. My work ranges from large canvases measuring 36″ x 36″, to medium-sized ones like 24″ x 24″. I also enjoy working vertically on 36″ x 24″ canvases.

Was it difficult to become a full-time artist, and what risks, challenges, or setbacks did you have to face in your art career?

Yes, being a full-time artist is one of the most challenging careers. It’s a labor of love, but also actual labor—from producing the work to affording materials and maintaining a studio and business. Presenting a body of work publicly through exhibitions means exposing oneself to critique, opinions, and reviews. Financial returns are not always guaranteed. The career of an artist is full of challenges, and one must be truly passionate to endure its hardships.

Were there any significant events during your art career that influenced your artistic development?

I’ve always identified as an artist—even as a child, I would retreat into art to find peace and joy. It has always felt like a natural part of me. A particularly life-changing event was when my father had a heart attack years ago (which he thankfully survived). That moment made me reevaluate my life and realign with what truly mattered. I remember sitting on the edge of my bed after hearing the news and deciding then and there to pursue art wholeheartedly. That was a definitive turning point.

What is your favorite or most exotic artwork?

I have several favorites. One of them is Two Happy Clouds, a skyscape painting featuring a melange of cloud activity against a baby-blue sky. The colors, the perspective, and the clouds are central to what I like to explore in my work. I often joke that I have my “head in the clouds”—as a child, I would lie on the grass and watch the clouds move, finding shapes and stories in them.

Another favorite is Man, a figurative piece I created in the 1990s during a period when I focused more on human anatomy. I like it because it conveys strength and reflection through its intense gaze.

How do you come up with innovative art ideas?

Ideas come to me naturally. I believe I was born with a talent for art and vision. Sometimes, inspiration strikes through dreams, which I then turn into artworks. Other times, I revisit memories—like in my lavender fields series, which started from a personal memory and grew into a broader cultural and artistic impact.

How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

I’ve never truly experienced creative blocks or low periods of inspiration. As a creative person, my mind is constantly filled with ideas. In fact, I often have to slow it down just to manage the influx. Since childhood, I’ve known I was different in this regard.

What makes your art unique?

My art is deeply personal. It reflects my life, vision, experiences, and travels. I’ve been told that my paintings possess a kind of magic—what some call “The Vian Effect.” Viewers often say my work touches them in ways no other art does, which confirms to me that I’m on the right path. My work stands on its own, needing no explanation.

Have you ever experimented with unconventional or new mediums in your artwork? If so, what was your experience?

Yes, I love experimenting. I’m curious and adventurous by nature. Still, I often return to traditional techniques, especially acrylic on canvas. As an art educator, I expose my students to unconventional approaches—for instance, using wax and watercolor together to create interesting textures and effects.

Who are your favorite artists, and what works of art influenced you the most – and why?

I have many favorites. Claude Monet is a kindred spirit—his Water Lilies at MoMA in New York are simply breathtaking and transport me to Giverny. Anselm Kiefer is another favorite; his landscapes, like The Evenings of All Days, The Day of All Evenings, are incredibly powerful. I also admire Richard Diebenkorn’s Ocean Park series, which evokes memories of my childhood drives through the Palisades in Los Angeles.

What types of art do you like to surround yourself with?

I surround myself with art that stimulates me both visually and intellectually. My home includes my own work, my mother’s art, and pieces I’ve collected from fellow artists, photographers, and sculptors over the years.

Are there any recurring themes or motifs in your artwork, and if so, what do they represent to you?

Yes, recurring motifs in my work include the blue sky, clouds, and seascapes. Blue, in particular, represents my identity. Born near the Mediterranean, the sea and sky are constant sources of peace and reflection for me. These elements express serenity, introspection, and emotional depth.

Do you have a specific routine or ritual you follow when creating art?

Yes. I prefer a tranquil, quiet atmosphere. I usually wake up very early, brew a strong cup of coffee, and face the blank canvas with focus and energy. I work until the household wakes up, as interruptions break my concentration. I often listen to music—jazzy tunes by Hiroshi Suzuki or Ibrahim Maalouf, and rock by The Cure or Kate Bush—to create a mood conducive to creativity.

In your opinion, what is the primary skill set one must possess to be a good artist?

A good artist must have strong freehand drawing skills, without relying on grids or projectors. Drawing is the foundation of fine art. Mastery of structure, line, form, perspective, and composition is essential.

There are so many artists today creating amazing art in a vast array of mediums and styles, do you ever feel the pressure of competition?

Not at all. I don’t compare myself to others. I remain authentic and true to my own vision. Throughout my journey, I’ve pioneered new directions in art that others have followed. As my kids say, “I’m the real OG.”

What advice would you give to new artists who wish to make art their career?

Get a solid art education. Don’t copy others or chase fame through imitation. Instead, focus on developing your own voice and vision. Be ethical, be grateful to your mentors, and take the time to grow as an artist.

You’ve participated in many art exhibitions. What has been your experience with them?

My experiences have varied, but overall, they’ve been positive. Every exhibition is unique, and I’ve grown from each one.

What is your overall outlook on how the art market is changing?

The art market is evolving rapidly, and it can be hard to keep up—especially with the rise of technology. The impact of AI on the market remains uncertain, and much of the future in this area is still a mystery.

How do you stay updated with trends and developments in the art world?

We live in a highly connected world, and most developments are easily accessible online. That said, I don’t focus on trends—I often create them. I’ve seen my ideas and aesthetics ripple through the art and design world many times.

What role do you think social media plays in the career of a contemporary artist?

Social media is just a tool to share one’s work. While some artists have found success early through platforms like Instagram or TikTok, the fine art world operates differently. Popularity online doesn’t always translate to success in the real art world.

Do NFTs interest you as an artist?

Not currently. I focus on selling my original artworks through established global marketplaces.

You can find my work here:

• 1stDibs
• Artsy
• Artsper
• Zatista
• Barnebys Auctions

Website: www.vianborchert.com

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