Bess Harris

My favorite artists are Paula Modersohn-Becker, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso - especially their work in portraiture. There is something familiar to me in the expressions seen in portraits. I often gaze at others and try to imagine what it is that they are feeling and use that as inspiration in my painting. With many of these works, it was the 'look' on one side and me with a paintbrush on the other side, trying to cross that line without words. After working as a Speech Therapist all day, painting is a different type of communication. Some of my works grow from a reflection on my past. .. a favorite chair, restaurant ,pet, or experience. It is a way to express many different emotions and share that association with others.When I was growing up we had a chalkboard in the kitchen to list events. I always would erase words and depict the future events in drawings.
Also included is photography. Many of the images are from a trip to Ireland and Amsterdam.

Master's Degree, Speech Pathology, the University of Madison, Wisconsin, 1981
Bachelor of Science Degree, Speech Pathology, South Dakota State University, 1976

"After Hours", an exhibition of Painting & Drawing at the Downtown Subscription in Santa Fe New Mexico, October 1 - 31, 2013.

"YAM 47" group art show at the Yellowstone Art Museum, Billings, MT. Jan. 22-March 7th, 2015

"Sunny Side" Painting Exhibition at Downtown Subscription in Santa Fe, NM Nov.1-30th, 2015