Conversations with Gwen Ahlers

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwen Ahlers.

Hi Gwen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was raised in Colorado, always enjoying the Rocky Mountains and sunshine. As an adult I discovered my Cherokee heritage and became a Citizen of the Cherokee Nation. I have a BA with Fine Arts from Norfolk State University, a Master’s in Education from Lesley University. As an art educator for 34 years, I am passionate about creating art and sharing the process of art making for the next generations of artists. In addition to teaching, I have exhibited work in Colorado Galleries, Arvada Center, Foothills Art Center, and Lakewood Cultural Center and Spider Gallery in Tahlequah Oklahoma.

My artworks are created with a conceptual approach, expressing subjects in a multi-layered way. I paint responding to the surrounding environment and use experiences from nature’s influence as a starting point. I use a unique style that absorbs the tradition of remembrance art into daily practice. This personal understanding of past tradition is important in my work. I reference recognizable forms through abstraction, the results are deconstructed to the extent that meaning is shifted and possible interpretation becomes multifaceted. By contesting the division between the realm of memory and the realm of experience, creating personal moments. Inspiration comes from everywhere and with everything, with each new work of art there is new understanding.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I love the quote from Mark Twain that says, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” As an art educator for over 34 years, I have experienced many challenges and many celebrations, but it has been a wonderful journey and I would not change any of it. I am passionate about art and the process that brings joy, calm and fulfillment for any age. Art educators dedicate many hours to prepare lessons, supplies and manage multilevel abilities in a classroom for all to find success in an art experience. With all of the preparation for instruction over the years, there was a challenge of time, family and work life balance for my own artwork. I have been blessed to have a wonderful and supportive family. Carving out time for my own art was meaningful and gave me peace finding new energy to give back.
As an artist today, I teach College level part time to be able to give back and balance my own art expression. I found through the COVID years that painting gave me such peace, joy and calm in the hardest of times. Art can be healing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am able to express my ideas in many art forms, but painting with acrylic has been my media of choice. I draw, sketch and doodle daily in my sketchbook which keeps my ideas flowing. While sketching, I give myself permission to learn and grow through ideas, good or bad. I often paint a layer of watercolor as a base for my drawings to express light. My process for painting starts with a base of black color to build layers of texture, lines and colors. My palette is alive with color that complements the subject. The line and pattern represent a connective web that holds a place or moment in time. Patterns that appear in my paintings are reflective of Native symbols such as four directions and wisdom.
The best ideas come from my time I spend in our beautiful Rocky Mountains. I love the light and shadow of spaces, smells of the trees, and sounds of the birds and wind through the trees. I am always amazed at seeing animals in their wild spaces. I am connected to natural forms and Cherokee stories that inspire my paint palette and compositions. I love to paint animals, and landscapes primarily, but I do paint portraits and figures.
Painting feeds my soul, in that, it brings me a calm and peace to allow expression of what can be. I am proud when I can complete a painting that will let me feel the light in this world. In a world of distractions and visual competition, my hope is that someone viewing my work would feel a portion of what I created on canvas. My web of lines, Cherokee patterns, layers of colors, and surface textures are woven to express a story from my world.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for any art educator or artist is to reach out and find a person who you admire, whether it is in teaching or art making. Everyone needs someone to connect with in the creative process. Some art educators have had amazing teachers who inspired them to become a teacher or pursue a creative pathway. As, for artists, finding a venue such as a gallery or online community that aligns with the style or expression of work is a must for growth. I take a class to energize me with a new technique, skill or approach with art making. I love to meet new artistic people to make art with. I do appreciate traveling for inspiration, relaxation and fun.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.gwenahlers.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gwen.ahlers.9
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-ahlers-3952866a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gwenahlers3821
• Other: https://webapps.cherokee.org/SpiderGallery/Artists/Details/120

Image Credits
Gwen Ahlers