In Studio: Vian Borchert

For Vian Borchert, creativity has always been an innate part of her identity. Born into an artistic household and shaped by both formal training and lived experience, Vian's journey reflects a lifelong relationship with creativity. Working in the tradition of abstract expressionism, she creates work that extends beyond visual beauty, inviting viewers into a space of reflection, renewal, and hope. 

From early-morning painting rituals to exhibiting work on a global stage, Vian shares what continues to drive her practice and how art, for her, remains a powerful vehicle for connection, elevation, and human experience.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a professional artist.

I was born into an artistic household, and from childhood I loved art and the act of creating it. My mother is an artist, and my father is an art collector, so art was always a constant presence in my life. Born with what my family saw as a natural gift, my environment nurtured, polished, and refined that talent through steady support and, later, formal art education. For me, art came as naturally as talking or walking. It was simply always there, always part of who I was. In a way, it feels as if art chose me before I ever chose it. Due to my upbringing and innate creativity, it was clear to me and to those around me that I had to pursue a fine art path. From the start, it felt unmistakably clear.

I am a graduate and “Notable Alumni” of the Corcoran College of Art and Design at George Washington University in Washington, DC. Following my graduation, I traveled and collaborated with international artists through group exhibitions, while also presenting a number of solo shows. Upon returning to the United States, I worked in museums such as the National Gallery of Art and the Phillips Collection museum in DC. These experiences deepened my knowledge of art history and exposed me to masterworks, which influenced and enthused my artistic path. Eventually, I began teaching fine art classes in painting and drawing to adults in the Washington DC area, while continuing to exhibit both nationally and internationally in galleries and museums around the world.

Tell us about your work. What themes or messages do you hope to convey through your art?

I do abstract expressionist artwork where the central messages I convey through my art are rejuvenation and hope, inviting the viewer to experience the work as more than just an object to be observed. Beyond appreciating its visual beauty, I encourage viewers to fully absorb the imagery, consider its emotional impact, and engage in an intellectual dialogue with the work. Through this engagement, one enters a higher realm of perception, and a transcendental sense of hope, harmony, and renewal develops. These themes of elevation, transcendence, and hope remain constant and deeply embedded throughout my work.

Tell us about your process. Do you have any unique techniques or rituals that are integral to your work?

I like to create my artwork without interference, in a quiet and uninterrupted space. My studio is in my house. For this reason, I wake up at the crack of dawn, while the household is still asleep, and work feverishly in those early hours before anyone else rises. The ritual begins with brewing a fresh cup of dark coffee, taking in its aroma, then facing the canvas at hand and diving in completely.

In many ways, the process feels akin to a surgeon working at an operating table. I have always felt that my approach to art is more surgical than the average conventional approach–a sensibility that may stem from the strong scientific and medical influence on my father’s side of the family, where many relatives are doctors. Perhaps that precision finds its way into my creative process.

There are times when I like to work in silence, and others when I listen to music from bands I loved growing up, from Kate Bush to The Cure. I also like the jazzy tunes of Ibrahim Maalouf. Music helps smooth the path, melodically guiding the work forward. I dive in with an ample supply of paint tubes and several brushes within reach; my tools need to be ready and present. I dislike stopping and interruptions. Once I begin, it is hard to stop, as I enter a subconscious creative realm where ideas and innovation flow freely. In that sense, one could say I am definitely a right-brained person.

When you are looking for inspiration, what resources do you turn to? Are there any particular experiences, places, or people that influence your creativity?

Inspiration comes to me from many sources. For as long as I can remember, the natural world, particularly blue skies and the movement and formation of clouds, has filled me with a sense of wonder and awe. Looking upward toward the sky and cloudscape evokes feelings of elevation and jubilation: emotions I strive to project into my work. The sun, with its endless variations of light from sunrise to sunset and through its shifting reflections, also appears throughout my paintings, making light itself an essential element in my art.

At other times, my approach is more philosophical, engaging with questions that have intrigued philosophers, scientists, and thinkers since the beginning of time, such as the concept of “infinity”: what it means and how it can be expressed through a work of art. I have explored these ideas abstractly through my signature style.

My most recent themes focus on urban decay and are expressed through abstraction and loosely structure-oriented work. They reflect my belief that, as a society, we can work together to confront decay not only within our infrastructure but within our social fabric through kindness and creative acts that elevate us toward freedom and revival. This theme was inspired by being on the road, particularly during drives between Washington, DC and New York City for exhibitions, passing through cities that feel left behind and in need of care.

As for people who influenced me throughout my artistic journey, my children and my husband have been a constant source of love and support, anchoring me and encouraging me to continue moving forward.

Finding the right rhythm to be productive can be a challenge. What advice do you have for staying productive and focused as an artist?

For me, productivity and falling into an artistic rhythm come naturally. To be frank, I rarely struggle in that department. Staying focused, however, can be more challenging in a world that moves at the speed of light. Distractions are everywhere, and like many, I sometimes find myself caught in a social media doom scroll that eats at time. Consequently, discipline is essential.

One thing that feels undeniably true is that as life changes, we change as well. Being adaptable to one’s living conditions, health, and overall lifestyle should be an important consideration in an artist’s life and in how one approaches their practice. I often advise my students to be gentle with themselves, to allow space for enjoyment, and to live in the present moment.

What is your advice for combating creative blocks? Are there any specific strategies you use to reignite your creativity? 

This is another area in which I know I am different. I do not struggle with creative blocks. Instead, I often find myself swept up by ideas arriving from all directions. Even in my dreams, I am dreaming of flying over beautiful landscapes, immersed in vivid, colorful visions that feel painterly in nature. Creativity and ideas come to me naturally.

I am aware, however, that many artists do experience creative blocks. In those moments, I believe it is important not to force the process. Instead, I would advise changing direction and exploring another art form to broaden one’s horizons and open new ways of seeing. Sometimes, change is necessary to welcome new perspectives and revive the creative self.

As an artist, how do you measure your success? Can you recall a specific event or milestone in your career that made you feel successful? 

In general, I believe an artist whose work speaks to viewers without explanation has achieved a true measure of success. I have had strangers reach out to me, sharing how deeply they were moved by my artwork and how strongly they connected to it. Many have expressed that each piece carries a profound sense of emotion and clarity, revealing a distinctive artistic style. They tell me that rather than simply observing my work, they felt as though they were stepping into vivid and personal experiences shaped by my vision, where creative mastery meets authenticity. Hearing such sentiments repeatedly from strangers assures me that my art has delivered what I intend it to do: to speak for itself.

In terms of exhibitions and events, I was invited to showcase my artwork at the Louvre in Paris, in the Carousel du Louvre, during the October Vernissage. Walking through the halls of the Louvre, surrounded by ancient sculptures while presenting my own paintings, felt utterly unreal. In another equally surreal moment, my work was featured on a large digital screen in the heart of Times Square on Broadway in the summer of 2022. Recently, I was named by MSN News as one of the "Top 10 Most Creative Artists".

I also believe that success is measured through experience, education, and the time and effort invested in developing oneself and a high-quality body of work. As in many other fields, personal growth requires patience and dedication. Nevertheless, with time, things begin to fall into place.

What advice do you have for artists who are beginning to build their careers? Have there been any habits or strategies that you have adopted that you feel have created more opportunities or visibility in your work?

I have been creating artwork professionally for decades, and I’ve noticed that some emerging artists often want to skip the journey and reach the same level as established artists instantly. I believe shortcuts rarely work, and imitating the work of others to get ahead is neither right nor ethical. The key is to stay authentic to yourself. If you struggle with that, some soul searching can help: take art classes, travel, journal, and explore what genuinely brings you joy; through that, you can discover the foundation of your own style.

I like to keep it simple. I stay true to my vision and focus on what I want to share with the world. My artwork reflects my character and identity. Creating a painting is, for me, a form of play–a way to enter my own playground and build a world that I then offer to others. It is deeply rewarding to see that people want to engage with the world I have created. I don’t believe there is a specific formula for art; people instinctively recognize what is genuine, what moves them, and what resonates. However, hard work remains the truest path, and therefore, putting in the time, effort, energy, and skill is essential to achieving goals and personal success.

Do you consider yourself, and all artists, to be entrepreneurs? Why or why not? 

I consider myself both an entrepreneur and an innovator. My mind is always buzzing with ideas, and I am constantly seeking ways to reinvent myself through art, creative endeavors, adventures, and exploration. I am committed to learning more about the world, my place within it, and our shared human connection. I believe that each of us is a unique piece of the puzzle that forms the fabric of this world, and together, we reveal the bigger picture. When everyone brings forth their best, whether it’s their engineering skills, an eye for photography, a scientific aptitude, etc., then the world becomes richer, more vibrant, and endlessly fascinating. It is our differences that make us complete.

Failure is an inevitable part of success in any field. Do you have advice for overcoming setbacks and staying resilient in the face of challenges? 

Failure is inevitable in every profession, and even more so in the life of an artist. Yet, failure is essential. It is a vital part of the learning process. Without experiencing failure, one cannot truly understand what it means to win. I believe achieving genuine success involves encountering failure in many forms. The key is how we grow from it–how we pick ourselves up and shine again. Sometimes failure is simply a redirection toward areas where we may find greater success.

We must navigate life’s storms with calm and steadfast resilience, whether facing emotional setbacks, a difficult coworker, illness, or any challenge life throws our way. We can give our lives meaning through self-care. Treat yourself with kindness and respect.

What sparked your interest in partnering with TurningArt? Has your experience with TurningArt differed from other art companies you have worked with? 

I like what TurningArt does, and I simply wanted to be a part of it. My experience with TurningArt has been great. The people I have worked with are friendly, engaging, and highly professional. I truly appreciate and commend how TurningArt invests in its artists’ vision and journey.

What does having your artwork in public spaces mean to you? How does it feel to see your art in environments where people can engage with it daily? 

I love it! I love having my artwork in public spaces, where people can engage with the arts and experience unique visual languages. It feels good to see my work placed in environments where passersby can encounter it daily, absorbing it in their own way. It's fulfilling to know my art is enriching someone’s life and brightening their path.

Was there ever a moment of clarity about being an artist? Can you share an anecdote relating to your journey or realization of being an artist? 

I always felt like an artist, even as a young child. Yet, the realization that I must create, and that I cannot take my natural talent for granted, struck me later in life. A couple of years ago, my father suffered a heart attack. Thankfully, he survived. Still, I vividly remember the day I received that somber news, sitting on the edge of my bed, trying to make sense of my own life and mortality. In that moment, suspended between life and death, I felt as though I woke from a deep slumber. I was shaken by the realization that I needed to take hold of my life and do what I was born to do: be an artist. Life felt suddenly fragile, fleeting, passing by in the blink of an eye. I asked myself, what do I have to show for it? My answer was clear: my art. I must create, again and again, rebirthing my soul through the act of creation.

How does being an artist affect your perception of the world? Do you see things differently compared to others who might not have an artistic background? 

It took me a long time to see that I am different from many people. For years, I hoped that I was similar. Yet over time, I came to realize and accept that my thought process is different, and that the way I see the world is not the way most people do. I believe this difference is what makes me unique and propels me as an artist.

I see things almost upside down or outside of the box, while others see them right side up. When I look at the world, I instinctively break it down into shapes. I find geometry everywhere I look. Shapes and forms make up my world.

Even as a child, I was different. I was a dreamer, shy and inward-looking. I would spend hours at my desk drawing, writing comic-style stories, and creating my own worlds. In many ways, I was already doing what I continue to do today, only now it’s on a larger canvas and with paint.

Have other artists inspired your path? If so, can you share how they have influenced your work or career?

My mother is an artist. I grew up watching her stand by her easel, painting landscapes while listening to classical music: Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart. She would turn up the volume until the whole house seemed to vibrate with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Watching her paint was a delight, and her process left a lasting impression on me. 

In many ways, she is my first and foremost teacher. Of course, later in art school, I had formidable professors who were both supportive and influential in shaping my artistic education and guiding me in the right direction. 

If I were to pinpoint a specific artist who has influenced me most, it would be the French Impressionists, and especially Claude Monet. I have studied the biographies of many great masters, but Monet is the artist to whom I feel most deeply connected–both in spirit and in personality. I sense a kinship in our approach to the natural world as a source of inspiration from which art blossoms onto the canvas. While there are countless artists throughout history and today who have created extraordinary masterpieces, my mind continually returns to Monet as a lasting source of inspiration and influence.

What is most meaningful to you about being an artist?

For me, creating art is pure joy. I am a painter, and I deeply love the process: the act of scooping rich pigments with my brush and applying them to the canvas, the movement of each brushstroke, the energy and physicality of creation. 

My whole body moves in unison with the canvas as I create, letting go and allowing my subconscious mind to awaken. In those moments, my inner child is free to play again. The creative process elevates my soul and allows me to explore the hidden layers of my subconscious. The canvas becomes a vehicle, translating and transcribing what flows through me. The artistic spirit that comes over me is a magical feeling, one I return to repeatedly, striving to capture its essence and bring it fully to the canvas.

On a universal level, what drives me to continue creating is the appreciation and sense of awe I see in viewers and collectors who encounter my work. Knowing that my art can change lives for the better, whether through creating paintings or teaching art classes, makes me feel that I have made a positive impact. Giving through my art, both to my community and on a global scale, fills me with gratitude.

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