Vanessa, originally born in upstate NY, raised in Denver, lived in Boulder, New York, Paris, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, now settles in Downtown LA. A perfect place to delve into her passion...painting.
Her Paintings reflect a special quality, with a kind of "mystical light" and energy that seems to change and appear different each time you look at them, which "resonates with the soul and ignites the spirit"*. Through her textured layers of earth toned acrylics, she achieves a kind of weathered distance of ancient lands or ruins that literally draws you in. Some pieces have a hint of Asian Influence, while other are reminiscent of Italian Frescos. Although a descendent of a family of artists, Vanessa's style remains distinctly her own. Moody and bold, her take on "Abstract-Expressionism" is refreshingly classic and timeless.
"Art is not something I ever thought of doing professionally. Being an Interior Designer, everything I do requires an artistic and creative eye, merging colors to create an ambiance. When doing my own home, I was frustrated trying to find something that would work perfectly with the feel I was trying to achieve. Thus, I began painting. I could never have dreamed that my weekend project would blossom into a full-time art career and passion this gratifying."
That was in September of 2000. Since then, Vanessa has sold pieces to elite clients in London, New York, Los Angeles and Montecito, Atlanta, as well Bar harbor, Maine. Her history of shows include two privately sponsored, exhibitions at the renowned Bergamot Station Arts Center in Los Angeles, one at BGH gallery, the other hosted in the entirety of the I building, LALoftsArt, Santa Barbara Fine Arts four years running, permanent installations at Claret Arts in Atlanta formerly Global Art Galleries and now San Diego, soon San Francisco and Chicago. With no formal art training, it is hard to rationalize an explanation to the sophistication and depth of Vanessa's work.
Her Japanese grandmother, Chiyo, an award winning artist acclaimed in the 50's and 60's for her paintings in the Denver and Boston Art Museums, died before Vanessa was born, before her artistic dreams were fulfilled. Vanessa carries on that dream.
*Quoted by Angela DiBello, in a formal critique.
"There exists a visceral nuance that is truly ethereal and full of mystery. Wonderful work."
- Angela DiBello, Director of Agora Gallery, Soho, New York
"We always keep our eyes open for young new artists. Vanessa Grant is an art collector's find."
- Maureen Redfield of Redfield's Gallery
