Meet Yvonne Harris | Self Taught Artist

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

Hi Yvonne, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a little girl I always wanted to be a fashion designer. It was a dream I wanted to achieve one day to become a designer of beautiful clothes for movie stars. It has always been a part of my character makeup to be creative. As I grew up into my teens, my dreams changed and I went to college to pursue a business degree. I have been married for 39 lovely years, with two wonderful children and two amazing grandchildren.

My artistic and creative career has rekindled in my life now that I’m retired. By incorporating exercises that enhance my precise style and technique, I have been able to develop something new every week to every month. Although charcoal, pencil, and portrait drawing are my favorite mediums, my artwork allows me to work with a variety of media. Putting my artwork out there encourages me to explore new artistic directions and produce beautiful images. As an artist, I strive to create artwork that connects with others as though it was a hug shared with someone-something special and attractive that connects with people.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During my prime, I had to resign from my corporate job due to a debilitating sickness. My ability to sketch allowed me to release unpleasant emotions that I was harboring due to anxiety and depression stemming from my chronic pain condition. My art has proven to be a lifesaver. I now have peace of mind thanks to it. My art helped me heal by boosting my spirit and fostering my sense of self-worth. All of this is reflected in my artwork, and people began to take note of the finished product.

Then, Angels Artworks by Von, my brand, was created. Every time I made something, I had the impression that an angel was directing me to produce something lovely and significant. All of my artwork should be able to comfort someone who is in need of a little guidance from time to time.

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.
I have put together a short itinerary for a week-long trip for Columbus, Ohio, which includes suggestions for activities to see, do, eat, and drink.

Let’s start with The Columbus Museum of Art in downtown Columbus. The museum provides everyone with wonderful art and experiences that fosters creativity of their collection for the community to enjoy.

Next stop, the Creekside District in Gahanna, Ohio. This area is a little gold mine of historical treasures with bike and walking trails, a winery, restaurants and shopping locations. Along with their annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival which is held the third weekend of June. One of the summer’s absolutely must-go and best summer festivals of central Ohio.

Another great place to visit is Budd Dairy Food Hall in Italian Village, Columbus, Ohio. A renovated Budd Dairy building from 1894, this location was developed for for restaurants, food research, and entertainment. There are ten restaurants to choose from. In addition, the Budd Dairy Food Hall has a bar on the second level called Simon’s Bar, which has a large 9-panel TV and other televisions that are ideal for watching a movie with friends or supporting your local team. In addition, Budd’s Lounge features plush leather couches and chairs surrounded by dim lighting and antiques from bygone eras. Not to mention the Roof Top Patio, where you can unwind under the Columbus skyline while indulging in a few of your favorite cocktails. THE Garden of Beer is on the south end of Budd Dairy Hall, with it’s red brick paver patio; displaying a terrific spot to unwind and take in the great outdoors while having a drink.

Tommy’s Diner located in Franklinton of Columbus, Ohio. This famous diner has been around for over 30 years. An exceptional eating experience in a cozy and welcoming setting. It’s an excellent choice for a weekend breakfast, a work lunch, or a neighborhood hangout. The number 2 option on the menu: The Chopped Steak and eggs with Home Fries and Toast is to absolutely to die for. Yum!!!

If you’re a Sushi lover, like I am, the place to go is FUSIAN at Easton Town Square in Columbus. FUSIAN felt that there should be a fresh, easy-to-eat sushi choice available. Ingredients staged as in a Chipotle restaurant style format, their goal is to change how Americans see sushi and established a space where everyone could savor the advantages of Asian-American cooking. Not all sushi is made of raw fish and seaweed. Rice is the starting point of sushi, and from there anything is possible. My favorite is the Signature 10-piece Sushi rolls: Spring Chicken: soy wrap, roasted chicken, cucumber, cream cheese, scallion, spicy mayo, sweet soy, + tempura crunch and Salmon Crunch: roasted salmon, carrot, cucumber, scallion, avocado, chili-ponzu, tempura crunch, + sesame seed.

Lastly, as a baseball fan, I love attending the Columbus Clippers Baseball Game at the Huntington Stadium in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus Clippers is a Triple-A affiliate to the Cleveland Guardians baseball team. With their cutting-edge facilities, Huntington Park gives you an electrifying environment for several seasons to come. There never has been a more exciting spirit around the Clippers in their recent past. You get to experience the excitement at Huntington Park where the hot dogs are juicier and the grass is greener, and more bases are loaded ever than before! Let’s play ball!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my family, who should get a lot of credit for my narrative. To Charles Harris, my amazing husband for 39 years. I would not be in this position now if it weren’t for his amazing love, tolerance, and praise. To my lovely adult children, Davon and Chavon Harris, I love you. I cherish your love and support for my artwork and business. Thank you very much. I appreciate your unwavering support and boldness in pushing me to achieve more. To Chaniya, my granddaughter, who has always been my inspiration and audience. To my close friends and family who has been an amazing support system that has helped me in more ways than I could ever thank them.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/angelartworksbyvon

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-harris-393b4733

Facebook: Angel Artworks By Von

Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Image credits belong to the following individuals:
1. Wayne Harris, my spouse, for posing in the painted-style jean jacket I made.

2. Tanya Pirasteh’s Drawing Fundamentals Class for Beginner and Intermediate Students at the Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Columbus, Ohio.