Meet Geri Dunn | Western Artist and Event Coordinator

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

Hi Geri, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balancing work and creating art has always been a challenge. When you toss in having a life, sharing it with someone you care about, it becomes an even greater challenge. Balancing it all only happens when you both try together.

When I was young, I thought creating artwork would be the avenue I could base my success on. All I needed to do was create fantastic art, and that would be all I would need to live a happy content lifestyle. That thought filled my life, even while I worked to support myself with a regular paying job. I thought that was living a balanced life.

When I met my husband, my focus shifted to sharing this newly found happiness together and experiencing all life had to offer. My husband opened my eyes to the world I had never explored before. My artwork changed and the time I spent doing it shifted. It meant more to me to create better work – and artwork that inspired my continued happiness. It was more important to create quality work over quantity.

Over time, the push and pull of life-work balance changed and working a “normal 9-5 job” took precedence over being creative. As we became more monetarily stable, I was able to devote more time to being creative. This paid dividends in the success of my art career. I was able to sell more, and that encouraged me to create more artwork. I started to believe I could successfully have a career as an artist. Together, my husband and I would go to different art festivals, art gallery openings, etc. Together we shifted our attention to pursuing my art career.

The support of my husband helped create a balanced lifestyle that worked. Without his support, the careful balance would not have existed. Over time, I have learned I need to balance my desires to share in my husband’s passions as well, so we don’t feel torn between what we both love and want to pursue.

I wish I could say I came upon this revelation on my own without the abrupt change our life’s took. One moment I was anticipating his arrival home, purchasing new curtains for our living room. And then I was notified of my husbands near fatal motorcycle accident.

All of the things we thought were so important suddenly became irrelevant. Our nest egg savings was gone in an instant. My work life took second place and in the end my company wanted someone who was solely focused on making money. In the course of weeks, my job was gone – given to someone who had no issues devoting their life to the job. The new curtains purchased the day of his accident stayed in their packages for months before they were ever hung.

Life balances itself out, even with us. I don’t feel sad for myself. I miss what we can’t do, but don’t envy the life we had before his accident. I treasure every moment we are together because of the fragile balance between life and death. I miss the plans we were making for the future. He is physically not able to do many of these things. The balance of living life knowing tomorrow is not promised influences everything we do.

We still attend art events but limit our participation. We still explore, still live, still laugh. Spending that time with my best friend has balanced it all out for me, just like it did when we first met. Full circle.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In a world full of artists, trying to set yourself apart is a challenge.

With that being said, being approachable is what sets me apart. Many artists fall into the trap of being unapproachable by those that are rising into this life. They fear competition may lose them a sale. Many artists create something specifically so it will sell – not because it is their passion.

I love what I paint, and I always have loved the west. The hardships along the way tell a story – and painting the story is what makes it so fun. Everyone loves a good story – learning to paint the good story brings me happiness and joy. When my art finds the right person, and the connection is instant – it’s almost magical, and I feel blessed to bring that person so much joy and happiness by my artwork.

Being an artist isn’t easy. Dedicating yourself to your passion requires a commitment to doing what you love. No shortcuts, no excuses, no doubt. Learn from others – ask for feedback, make every piece your best piece. These lessons were passed along by other artists I greatly respect – and they are the best possible feedback I’ve ever received.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had to share the world to my friend – I’d go to Steamboat Springs, Colorado in late August – early September.

Steamboat is stunning with the aspen glow. It really is God’s own masterpiece. There is a ranch on the outer edge of town, with an abandoned cabin near a hiking trail that seems to wind up the mountain into forever. The morning skies are so crystal clear with blue sky you couldn’t imagine anything more magnificent. I would walk along the whispering aspens as the leaves rattle in the sunshine’s glow. The bugling elk – magically coming from somewhere unseen – sends shivers down your spine, as you know you’ve just experienced the splendor of all that is good in this world.

How far we go down this path is really up to us. And once we have explored this, and our feet are weary – are minds are content, we find lunch at a wonderful authentic Mexican restaurant with crispy homemade tortilla chips with the slight tang of salt, dipped in a tangy tomatillo salsa, savory street tacos and delightfully cold strawberry margaritas. We share stories, laugh and giggle and enjoy the silence of our company.

After lunch, we lay out in the afternoon sun and read a book, relaxing in such a way only good friends can do.

We make our way outdoors again, taking a hike to see the glory of the purples and blues and red sunset that only Steamboat Springs can do justice to. Walking back to the car in the evening coolness, we are reminded about just how simple our needs can really be when we are with good company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many who deserve a high-five for where I am today.

So many of my co-workers who I still call friends, who helped me share in the humor of our errors and work life struggles.

My husband Mark and his 3 children who showed me love and how to love, the comradery, mentoring and support from a thousand artists – including Rick Kennington who always delivers constructive criticism in the kindest way possible. My mom and my brothers who always believed I could when I didn’t think I dared.

The kindness and loving support by Nita & Gary Cullen, coming unexpectedly out of nowhere during my darkest hours.

And the steadfast and patient love from the best girlfriend anyone could ever wish to have, Joanne Scarborough, who encouraged laughter, tolerated tears and offered up nose snorts during fits of laughter.

Honestly, I would be nothing if not for all those who crossed my path, because I’ve taken their nuggets of wisdom to be the best version of myself.

Website: www.geridunn.com

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