In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Durango artist Miki Harder, known for her drawings, paintings, illustrations and sculpture.

Four Corners Arts Forum

In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with the multi-talented Durango artist Miki Harder. She is known for her incredibly unique and beautiful drawings, paintings, illustrations and sculpture. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango with a degree in Fine Art and Biology where many professors influenced her work through their teachings and inspiration. Miki’s art reflects the relationship between her two passions, in her words “the desire to share the joy I find in the interplay of a connected natural world”. Her subjects regularly include ravens, horses, dragons and any other interesting creature that catch her attention. For many years after college Miki worked as a waitress and nordic ski instructor around town but it wasn’t until 2005 when she created an art piece for Puma’s on Parade hosted by the San Juan Mountains Association, that she devoted herself to art full-time and had the confidence to say “I’m an artist”. Ravens have always been close to her heart especially ever since she had the chance to rehab a few injured birds at her home, one that imprinted on her and created a mutual bond. She combines silly and serious sometimes creating cartoon images which give a personality to her many characters bringing joy to the viewer. She makes her own frames in her studio where she immerses herself in her art. One of the things she is most proud of is the illustrated book she created with her father and her mother as a family project called “Dragons Unexpected” a wonderful children’s book where she did all the drawings and her father wrote the text. Her art work is sold at the Valkerie Fine Art Gallery in Lakewood, Colorado and can also be found at Studio & Gallery and Karen Gabeldon Fine Arts in Durango.

To see Miki’s work visit her website at www.mikiharderart.com or check out her Instagram feed @mikiharder