We’re looking forward to introducing you to Onna Voellmer. Check out our conversation below.
Onna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Watching nature ….the sun setting on the horizon, sun bleached grasses blowing in the wind, a bee buried deep inside a flower. It’s all magical. Time stops. And I’m just there—part of all of it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a contemporary abstract artist living and working in New Mexico. Travel and nature are the inspiration for my work. I’m an avid adventurer and explorer of places off the beaten path, places/journeys that push the boundaries of self: long-distance trails, mountain summits, and far-away places. I have always examined the details of natural things, the texture of a rock, the color shades in a sunset, the way the wind feels on my skin. On the surface, I’m delighted by the beauty of it all and wish to capture that in my work, but there is also a primal quality to it that illuminates the connection between place and self.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve been interpreting the world with shapes and texture since I could
sit up on my own and hold a crayon in my hand—my mother was an
artist and would set me beside her while she painted—to me, her world
was made of landscapes and portraits—and this is the imagery (nature
and humans) that shaped the way I see the world. I’ve always been an artist, for as far back as I can remember, and nothing has ever changed that.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
While I don’t really recall what I felt as a child—art has always been my grounding, my focus—there are always answers in art, solace, relief, questions, power. It is my comfort place.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, it is…. While I might not share every last detail of my life, I am very open about my inspirations, travels, feelings about places. I share a lot. To me, that is my job as an artist, to share how I see the world.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. Art and nature are my greatest loves, and for me, they work together. They are my story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onnavoellmer.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/onnavoellmer
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