Vala is an artist who passionately and relentlessly seeks to create artworks that show her dedication to excellence. Her classical training in Europe is reflected in her art. Her figurative bronze sculptures are noted for their depth of _expression and emotion. The high quality of her sculpted form has earned her great respect among art appreciators.
"The bronze gives me an opportunity to mold the sense of life into an everlasting form. From the force of a muscle in motion to a tender human emotion expressed. That along with the abstract quality of composition is what inspires me."
Vala was born and raised in Iceland. She has lived in the US since 1994. After 8 years in Santa Fe, NM, she relocated to Scottsdale, AZ. Vala Ola's artistic talent was apparent early on, and from the age of thirteen she attended classes drawing models from life. Graduating from the College of Hamrahlid, she furthered her studies at the Icelandic College of the Arts, and later graduated from The Arts Institute in Bournemouth, England.
She won the Icelandic Design Excellence Award for the first time at the age of twenty-six. During her studies in England, she placed two entries among the finalists at the Smithsonian Young Illustrator's Competition. Returning to Iceland, she went on as her country's sole representative at the Nordic Graphic & Illustration Awards. Moving to the United States in 1994, she changed her focus to portraiture in oil, and found herself booked solid for the next 7 years. Her portraits were created for families and dignitaries alike. Immaculate likeness of her subjects and reverence for the technique of the old masters earned her great recognition in her field.
Vala rekindled her interest in sculpting with clay after solely painting with oil for seven years. Vala has studied under many nationally and internationally known sculptors including John Coleman, Bruno Lucchesi, Walter Matia, Sandy Scott and Stanley Bleifeld. Her inspiration derives from her observation of life. Even the most mundane circumstance we find ourselves in daily will spark an idea. The Flemish artist Vermeer would paint the simple act of pouring milk, elevating it to a moment worth remembering for eternity, in a similar way Vala will look at a moment usually passed by as moment worth noticing.
"All we have in life at any given time is the very moment we are living and that moment is of importance." Vala says.
"I would like to inspire myself and others to have awareness and appreciation for our life."
Vala sculpts smaller and mid-size figures in her studio in Scottsdale as well as larger monuments. All her sculptures are cast in bronze.
Gallery Representation
Vala Ola’s work can be seen in:
Sage Creek Gallery, 200 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
Sanders Galleries, 6420 N. Campbell, Tucson, AZ.
J. Willott Gallery, El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA.
Waterhouse Gallery, 1114 State St. #9, Santa Barbara, CA.
Gallery 1000, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
Gallery Fold, Reykjavik, Iceland.
The US and Europe
Vala's work has been exhibited in Reykjavik, London, New York, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, Scottsdale, Carmel, Dallas, Park City, Loveland, Cape Cod and Palm Desert.
Awards
“Raymond H. Brumer Award”, Allied Artists of America 93rd Annual Show, NYC.
2006 “Best and the Brightest”, 2nd place professional award, Scottsdale Artist’s School.
2006 “Sculpture in the Park”, Loveland, CO
2006 “National Sculpture Society 73rd Annual Show”, NYC
2006 “Peppertree Art Show”, Santa Ynez, CA. (May)
2006 “Celebration of Fine Art”, Scottsdale, AZ. (Jan. 14th— March 26th)
2006 “The Best and the Brightest” Show, professional cat., Scottsdale Artist’s School, AZ.
2005 Finalist for a public art sculptures for a park in Longmont, CO.
2005 Finalist for a public art sculpture, City of Peoria, AZ., Peoria Pioneer Memorial
2005 University of Dubuque, Iowa - Dr. Charles Myers— commission bronze statue.
2005 Monument commissioned, “Victory” 7 feet.
2005 “Sculpture in the Park”, Loveland, CO.
2005 “Peppertree Art Show”, Santa Ynez, CA..
2005 “Phippen Arts Festival”, Prescott, AZ..
2005 Realism Guild 1st Annual Show, Pan American Art Gallery, Dallas, TX.
2005 “Celebration of Fine Art”, Scottsdale, AZ..
2005 Bronze commission, 3 life-size sculptures
2004 International Guild of Realism, charter member.
2004 “Hidden in the Hills”, Cavecreek, AZ.
2004 “Phippen Arts Festival”, Prescott, AZ..
2004 Bronze commission, 3 life-size sculptures.
2004 Bronze commission, six life-size sculptures.
2003 “Art in the Home”, hosting TV series on art.
2003 National Sculpture Society, NY, membership.
2003 Mr. & Mrs. Steven Rockefeller, NY, portrait commission.
2003 Spirit of the Senses, lecture and art viewing, Scottsdale, AZ..
2003 Three life-size bronzes commissioned by Mr. & Mrs. Cameron, OK.
2002 “Celebration of Fine Art, art show”, Scottsdale, AZ.
IMC Inc.