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

Hi Miki, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My perspective has changed a LOT.

It feels like making art was  the neglected child stewing in the corner, me doing everything BUT art… Now it is what I crave and go-to activity. The first half of my life was waiting tables and teaching nordic skiing. It was only 6 1/2 years ago that I made the switch to full time art ( still teaching skiing tho) and what a joy it has been. It might feel a bit like ” feast or famine” sometimes but it is worth it.   It is an amazing feeling to pay bills  with finances earned by making art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I work one day at Studio & an artist owned and operated gallery in Durango CO.,where I am represented, and the rest of the time is spent in my studio 🙂
 I am also represented at The Valkarie Gallery in Lakewood Colorado…so I get to keep up on work on those walls. I get to participate in various children’s book illustration projects, including one currently with my father about Unexpected Dragon behaviours when they are “off hours” …. I am busy as heck and happy as a pig in poop. 🙂

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.

With a week in Durango COlorado I think you could get a taste of all the fun stuff that’s offered! You’d be busy tho! SUmmer Itinerary: activities: Rent bikes and play on the trails around town or cruize the river trail THRU town.   Take a float down the Animas River or get a guide to take you fishing..OR just get a picnic and relax by the river. We have a multitude of wonderful trails around town and in the surrounding mountains. And of course all the outdoorsy clothes or equipment you need is found at Backcountry Experience or Pine Needle Mountaineering.  There’s a few golf courses too…. Fishing GUides: Duranglers! River rafting? Mild to WIld! You’ll be famished after all this activity so for eating : Carvers, DIamond Belle, Chimayo, El Moro’s Tavern…one must have Ice cream At Cream Bean Berry for sure . Fun shops: Studio & ( of course)  Karyn Gabaldon Fine Art, Maria’s Bookshop( check out the adorable Dragon Mural in their bathroom painted by yours truly), White Rabbit Book store and Curiosities.
Using Durango as a home base there is Mesa Verde to visit, SiLverton, Ouray, Mancos….
And then there’s WINTER! 🙂 I recommend Nordic Ski lessons at the DUrango Nordic Center just 1/2 mile of Purgatory Ski  Area (also very nice).
Can you tell I love Durango?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh heck yea… let me count the ways: Esther and Walt Harder ( Mom and Dad)
Walt Harder Jr ( Big Brother)
Ineke Boyce ( Durango Mom /Sister)
Heather Leavitt Martinez ( cartoon value visionary)
Elizabeth Kinahan ( learning the language of a dyslexic)
Karyn Gabaldon
Karrie Merkel
Valerie Savarie
Karrie York
Veryl Goodnight

Website: mikiharder8@gmail.com

Other: weeelllll…only on FB and Instagram , but website… always needing an update 😉 is a god place to reach me other than my email.. Thanks!

Image Credits
…all image credits go to me and my cell phone…( and whomever I talked into pushing the button if I was on the other side! )

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.