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The People’s Choice Award: Vanessa Compton
82: Vanessa Compton
Create 10 collages investigating the legacy of settler-colonialism
Vanessa Compton was born in 1981 and raised in the hills of Vermont where her father, a professional singer-songwriter, and her artist mother inspired her to start creating at an early age. For many years Vanessa maintained a life of migration working as a seasonal rock climbing guide in the American Southwest and transitioned to working in collage 17 years ago. Her Grandmother was also a professional collagist. Vanessa’s collages and sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums across the US and appear in private collections around the world. She has been awarded fellowships from The Brinton Museum, The Wallace Stegner House, Vermont Studio Center, Hubbell Trading Post & National Historic Site, The Brush Creek Foundation, Tongue River Artist Residency and Jentel Arts. She lives and works in Burlington, VT.
Project description
The works would be exhibited in a series of exhibitions both regional and national at galleries and museums where I have shown in the past. I am currently represented by Soapbox Arts in Burlington VT and just concluded a solo show there with18 new works in the nouveau western genre. I am also represented by Courtney Collins Fine Art in Big Sky MT. I have exhibited at and maintain good working relations with The Brinton Museum in Big Horn WY, The Yellowstone Museum in Billings MT, and the Bennington Museum in Bennington VT. I would also reach out to other museums and galleries I am connected with that are interested in the process of decolonization to show this body of work.
The kind of impact I wish to make as an artist is to make work that is a path with heart. Receiving financial support from a Creation grant would be an enormous boost for my artistic career. I am 41 years old, just gave birth to my daughter, and 100% committed to my path as an artist. I have worked as a teacher, curator, and gallerist. My true passion will always be as an artist and I’ve been committed to that path for the past 17 years. It is my life goal to have a long and rewarding relationship with art. My mission is to create art that has social impact, that questions our systems of oppression and that turns the dial closer towards a more peaceful, just and sustainable future for all.
“Protect the Value.” Created in collage, acrylic, spray paint, ink and oil on canvas.
“Riders of the Astral Plains.” Created in collage, acrylic, spray paint, ink and oil on canvas.
“Let’s See What Love Will Come To Meet Us.” Created in collage, acrylic, spray paint, ink and oil on canvas.
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September 5, 2023