Introspections of an Artist and Conservationist
Mark Vranesh
"Why must I plan to watch the sunset?
We have made so complicated that which
was meant to be spontaneous...."
I wrote that proverb over 20 years ago,
sitting in class at law school, realizing I was
not cut out to work inside the four walls of a
law office. Graduating from law school, I
decided to open my first art studio and
gallery in Coronado, off the shore from San
Diego.
My love for nature and being outdoors
inspires me as well as my art. As an artist, I
am concerned about the future preservation of our natural resources and the delicate balance of
our environment.
Returning to Southern Nevada over a decade ago, I found the inspiration for my work, just as I
had loved it when I was growing up in Las Vegas in the 50's. The dancing Joshua trees along the
highway, along with our glorious sunrises (I love to watch the sun come up) and sunsets beyond
Red Rock are my reasons to be here in the southwest.
As a watercolor artist, I feel blessed to have been given my gift to paint. Self-taught is the word
the art critics use, but self-inspired would better describe my lust to paint and create art. The
desire to paint and recreate Mother Nature's beauty is the ultimate challenge, and I'm the first to
admit that the painting process is much more rewarding (to me) than the finished product.
Luckily, others like to compensate me for this process so they can have the art to hang on their
walls. As an artist, creating art for others has many rewards.
My other crafts include basketry, papermaking and gourds. These natural fiber mediums inspire
me with their qualities that bring me closer to nature, actually using dried plant fibers to create my
art. In a way, these art forms are the ultimate in re-cycling, which is inherent in much of the
creative process. There's something very meditative about creating a basket using palm, pine
needles, grapevine and other native fibers. The hands-on closeness to nature is a gift that's given
to children and artists. I try to share this with others around me and encourage friends to take a
break from our fast pace world and do something creative. I always remind the students in my
workshops that as each of us is unique, so will be your art. I try my best to allow each to express
their individuality. This healthy attitude goes far beyond creating art.
Much of my current work is inspired by the rock art, the petroglyphs left by those people who
came before us here in the southwest. Beyond the symbolic imagery that is etched in the
varnished cliffs and rock formations throughout Southern Nevada, it is a reminder to me of a
different space and time, one in which I can take a few moments for my own introspection. I need
this balance and I hope my expression in my artwork will create some beauty in our world.
(Mark Vranesh is a member of the SMA. Mark has developed his unique style of art-mixed
media impressionism, creating his artwork with handmade papers and fibers using painting,
collage and printmaking techniques. With an art career that spans two decades, this Nevada
native has made his impact upon our state. His interpretation of the ancient petroglyph images
are incorporated into his large-scale territorial impressions, handmade paper, watercolors and
handcrafted gourds.
His unique gourd designs have been given by our governor to other states as gifts. As a special
guest at the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism for the past 3 years, Mark was selected
to represent Nevada during QVC's tour of the 50 states. Also awarded the "Nevada's Best" seal,
this local artist has made great strides toward his goal of being known as "Nevada's artist".
Contact Mark at his Las Vegas studio, phone 242-9322, to be placed on his mailing list for
classes, catalogs, upcoming events and special orders.)
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