Vivian’s youth was spent on horseback exploring the thick woods and
warm valleys of the South Carolina Foothills. Inspired by the natural beauty
of the land and its inhabitants, her early works with mixed media combined
her experiences and her youthful imagination. Today, Vivian continues to
study techniques in realism as well as being influenced by folk art, regional
history and a mature appreciation of the natural world. Her present goal is
to create pieces that present nature and people in their truest forms, recalling
and studying the faces and images of the mountains she has grown to
cherish.

     Vivian is a juried artist with the South Carolina Artisan Center in
Walterboro and is seen on the South Carolina Heritage Corridor in the upstate
welcome centers. Her work is on permanent display in the offices of
Congressman Gresham Barrett and Senator Lindsay Graham in our capital
building in Washington D.C. and also in the office of Senator Thomas
Alexander in the South Carolina State House in Columbia. Her work is in the
South Carolina Botanical Gardens at Clemson University inside the Fran
Hansen Center. She has served as a consultant for the Oconee County Arts
and Historic Commission.

     Horses have been a huge part of Vivian’s life. “I love all critters,” she says
“but horses are such regal creatures, so full of grace and power. I’ve loved
every minute I’ve spent around a horse. I’ve lived in the barn and watched
new life struggle for its first breath. I’ve placed my boot in the stirrup and
enjoyed newly learned communication skills from an inquisitive two year old,
and I’ve held on while a wise and loving creature lunged me out of catastrophe
and into safety. These are all cherished memories, and I am grateful that God
smiled on me and allowed my life to be so blessed. My hope and prayers are
that my art will show the love I have for nature, life and for the creator of
life. “

     Detail is my passion. But occasionally a fun painting that breaks rules frees
my creative spirit and inspires that part of me that ventures to create
something I have never seen, but only dreamed of.” Living in the foothills of
the Blue Ridge Mountains Vivian finds inspiration around every bend and
crook in the road. “Honeymoon Cottage” is my neighbors summer home. An
endless source of inspiration is found on Vivian’s farm or the wilderness of
Sumter National Forest that borders her land. She finds bountiful wildlife
and wildflowers minutes from her back door.

     “My faith in God is reassured each time I admire the beauty of his creations
on my farm and walking in the nearby forest. Witnessing changing seasons
from glorious fall and blankets of snow to the hope of new life in spring
confirms my belief in the creator.”          

     Commissioned by Southern Wesleyan University in conjunction with
Wal-Mart Corporation, Vivian recently painted a triptych mural approximately
18’x36’ inside the main entrance to the newly built Central Wal-Mart, in
Central, South Carolina. The mural depicts the lifestyle and history of the
towns of Central and Pendleton, South Carolina with emphasis on the campus,
students and spirit of the University. Inside the Oconee Heritage Center in
Walhalla, SC is a mural depicting workers working on the famous Stumphouse
Tunnel.

     Vivian paints mostly realism that relates to nature, wildlife, and country
living. She occasionally will paint fantasy art or something very playful such
as mosaics. “Realism is so very intense, and detail is important in wildlife
and botanicals.

     Vivian spends many hours inside her studio in Walhalla. Visitors are
welcome and appointments are appreciated. She is often on the road showing
her work throughout South Carolina and neighboring states. Her working
studio has become an art stop for the South Carolina Heritage Corridor.