VC Torneden is a multifaceted artist whose work spans photography, painting, and charcoal. With a career shaped through the unique perspective of her deep south roots, life experiences and experimentation, her art is a captivating blend of the surreal and the documentary.
A Lifelong Passion
When asked about the origins of her artistic journey, Torneden replied, “I don’t remember a time when I didn’t create.” This innate drive has propelled her through a winding path to establish herself as a respected artist. Her creative process is as dynamic as her output, often sparked by unexpected inspiration. Torneden explained, “Experimentation is everything to me. The times I create the worst junk or become repetitive and stagnant are when I bog myself down with too much and don’t have time to play and experiment.”
A Unique Artistic Vision
Torneden’s work is characterized by a blend of surrealism and documentary elements. Her paintings often lean towards the sparse and surreal, while her photography, influenced by her background in street photography and photojournalism, offers a more grounded perspective. About the evolution of her work, Torneden said, “What has changed is a maturing, not just of skill set, but more so, a maturing of how I see the world.” That view of the world finds its way into her work through a thread of social commentary and a touch of sardonic wit which consistently weave their way through both mediums.
Inspiration and Motivation
Maintaining a consistent creative output requires dedication and resilience. Torneden emphasizes the importance of avoiding burnout. “I have a nasty habit of biting off large scale projects or projects that are deeply emotionally taxing,” she admits. Her process usually involves leaning into her insomnia and staying up all hours in the studio with her favorite albums as a soundtrack to her creativity. She also finds inspiration in connecting with the arts community. “Conversation – genuine discussion, critique, and feedback – is probably the most important aspect of the arts,” she shared. Reconnecting with the arts community after Covid has been an intentional process, and she stresses the importance of supporting other artists.
Looking Ahead
Currently, Torneden is excited about several upcoming projects. A collaborative photography project with Melinda Green Harvey titled “The Other Side” is on exhibit at the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center in Oklahoma City throughout September. Additionally, she is working on a project exploring her personalstory of living in Tulsa during the early 2000s, incorporating both painting and photography.
With a foundation rooted in the rich culture of the deep American South and a career marked by experimentation and dedication, Torneden is a compelling figure in the contemporary Oklahoma art scene. Her work invites viewers to explore the intersection of the personal and the societal, the surreal and the real.
Explore the work of VC Torneden on her website, vctorneden.com
Pictured above: Tulsa No. 1. Oklahoma, 2021
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