Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Horner.
Hi Ingrid, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for art began early in childhood. I grew up in Uruguay, South America, and in Spanish culture, siesta time is sacred. Because I was not a child that napped, I would be given art supplies to keep myself entertained while the adults enjoyed their mid-afternoon rest. It was these mid-afternoon unsupervised art sessions that instilled a love for creating, and since then, doing things with my hands has always been extremely rewarding.
In my mid-20s, I moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and while working there, I studied fashion design. In 1989, I came to the States to study fashion merchandising and later met my husband, who was enlisting in the Marine Corps. Military life gave me a chance to move around the country and experience the different regional subcultures. One of the many moves took me to Okinawa, Japan, for 7 years, where I gained a more comprehensive understanding of the few things that all humans relate to regardless of language, geographical, and cultural differences. My geometric abstract style is influenced by the understanding that shapes can serve as a universal language when there are no other ways of communicating.
However, it was not until 2018, when I moved to Texas, that I finally started painting. Initially, I would paint for fun and give my paintings away. It was the global pandemic that launched me into art full-time, seeking distraction during isolation. Once restrictions were lifted, it was too late; I was already hooked. By the end of 2020, I had already completed commissions, donated art for fundraisers, taken part in my first group show, and was about to start a mural in downtown Tyler, TX. In the years following, I went on to paint several murals and to win the People’s Choice Award two consecutive years at the local Arcadia Art Show, an international juried exhibit.
In 2022, I had my first solo show, Shaping Up: Geometric Interactions of Form, Shape, and Color, at Gallery Main Street in downtown Tyler. Additionally, I had the honor to be invited and selected by the Tyler Museum of Art to take part in Art Among the Azaleas, a group exhibit that highlighted local artists. Currently, I am part of The Beauty of Art and Medicine VI, a yearlong exhibit at Roger’s School of Health and Nursing at TJC.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been fortunate enough to move quickly in a brief period of time. It has been rewarding to feel validated within my local community, but I would not trick myself into thinking that it is a smooth road. I am still just getting started, and though I have learned a lot in the past few years, there is still a lot to learn and a lot to do.
I struggle with a tendency to be extra judgmental about my work and with self-doubt. But I remind myself to keep perspective and understand that there are plenty of people who are far better qualified than me to assess artwork; therefore, I must leave the judging to them. My job as an artist is to express myself through the work I create, experiment with tools and techniques, and enjoy the journey.
When it comes to self-doubt, I have not met an artist who lacks any. I consider self-doubt necessary as it keeps me willing to learn and take on feedback, which is extremely valuable for improving, growing, and moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My preferred medium is acrylic applied to canvas, and sharp, clean, hard-edged lines are characteristic of my style. My abstract work is defined by geometric shapes, forms, and vibrant colors. Inspired by my surroundings and drawing on my experiences from my many travels and the influence of diverse cultures, I explore the interaction of these formal elements as a parallel to how humans relate to each other and their surroundings. I am also captivated by the power and symbolism of color, and I consider it an essential component to expressing my feelings and a tool to evoke emotion and establish a connection with the viewer.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Art communities are the best places to find other creative people. I belong to several art communities within my city, and participating in different events, classes, and workshops offers me an opportunity to interact with other artists who have different skills and styles. Belonging to different art groups has been valuable because when there is a broad range of work, knowledge, skills, and people, there is always a big pool of talent from which ideas can be drawn. Every time I interact with different groups of artists, I learn some tidbit that improves my art practice, and their company enriches my social connections.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingridhornerart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingridhornerart
Image Credits
Diane Schnetzinger
Reis Cassie Edmonds
Melissa DeCarlo
Tori Yarges
