Meet Ingrid Horner | Ingrid Horner Art

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ingrid Horner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ingrid, why did you pursue a creative career?
My love for art began early in childhood. I grew up in Uruguay, South America, and in Spanish culture, siesta time is sacred. Because I was not a child that napped, I would be given art supplies to keep myself entertained while the adults enjoyed their mid-afternoon rest. It was these mid-afternoon unsupervised art sessions that instilled a love for creating, and since then, doing things with my hands has always been extremely rewarding. Originally, I studied fashion design and fashion merchandising, so it wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to become a full-time artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Painting wasn’t something I started until I moved to Texas in 2018. Initially, I would paint for fun and give my paintings away. It was the global pandemic that launched me into art full-time, seeking distraction during isolation. Once restrictions were lifted, it was too late; I was already hooked and having too much fun to quit. By the end of 2020, I had already completed commissions, donated art for fundraisers, taken part in my first group show, and was about to start a mural in downtown Tyler, TX. In the years following, I went on to paint several murals and to win the People’s Choice Award two consecutive years at the local Arcadia Art Show, an international juried exhibit. In 2022, I had my first solo show, Shaping Up: Geometric Interactions of Form, Shape, and Color, at Gallery Main Street in downtown Tyler. Additionally, I had the honor to be invited and selected by the Tyler Museum of Art to take part in Art Among the Azaleas, a group exhibit that highlighted local artists. Currently, I am part of The Beauty of Art and Medicine VI, a yearlong exhibit at Roger’s School of Health and Nursing at TJC. Currently, I am part of The Beauty of Art and Medicine VI, a yearlong exhibit at the Robert M. Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center at TJC.

My preferred medium is acrylic applied to canvas, and sharp, clean, hard-edged lines are characteristic of my style. My abstract work is defined by geometric shapes, forms, and vibrant colors. Inspired by my surroundings and drawing on my experiences from my many travels and the influence of diverse cultures, I explore the interaction of these formal elements as a parallel to how humans relate to each other and their surroundings. I am also captivated by the power and symbolism of color, and I consider it an essential component to expressing my feelings and a tool to evoke emotion and establish a connection with the viewer.

I have been very fortunate to move quickly in a brief period of time. It has been rewarding to feel validated within my local community, but I would not trick myself into thinking that this journey is easy. Although I have learned a lot in the last few years, there is still a lot for me to learn and a lot to do. I am just getting started.

There are plenty of lessons I have learned from other artists, but one thing that is most important is to keep the conversation in my head to a minimum. Self-doubt can creep in, and I have never met an artist that lacks any, but I consider a little self-doubt necessary because it keeps me willing to learn and take on feedback, which is extremely valuable for improving, growing, and moving forward.

Sometimes I am asked if I consider how things could’ve been different had I started earlier in life, but I truly don’t believe that I could have started any earlier. I believe the timing, conditions, and circumstances were never right for me to do so. I think there is a time and a season for different experiences in our lives, and the timing for me to create art is now. In that sense, my hope is that others feel inspired by my journey and understand that it is never too late to begin doing what you feel passionate about.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My number one recommendation is Visit Tyler, they are the number one connection to everything Tyler has to offer. Downtown Tyler offers many attractions, from food, to music to art, you name it.
Downtown Art Alley, currently in the process of being updated (there are about 40 murals that take the space of one city block and every couple of years the city does a call for local artists to paint).
Gallery Main Street located in the Plaza Building.
The Rose Garden is a traditional place for those who love to see gardens and flowers in bloom.
The Tyler Museum of Art.
True Vine, a local brewing company.
Rick’s on the Square
Prime 102
Stanley’s BBQ, the oldest mom & pop BBQ place in Tyler. The food is delicious, and they have live music.
Culture ETX
ETX Brewing Co.
Twelve
FD’s Grillhouse
1836 Texas Kitchen
Andy’s Frozen Custard for a sweet treat.
Hinds Fine Art Gallery
Gold Leaf Art Gallery and Frame Shop
Tricia’s Rose City Framing
Caldwell Zoo
Tyler State Park
Cowan Center (Broadway shows, concerts, lectures and more)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is no way I could do what I do without the support of my husband, Jim. I always say that it is payback for the 27 years I followed him around while he had a career in the Marine Corps. But joking aside, he has put faith and money into helping me achieve my artistic goals. Although I no longer rely on his financial support to continue my art practice, I still owe him infinite gratitude for all he does so I can spend time creating.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingridhornerart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingridhornerart

Image Credits
Cassie Edmonds Melissa DeCarlo Tori Yarges Diane Schnetzinger Reis