Our featured artist this month is Vicki Kuyper, a retired chemical engineer, and holder of 9 US patents. After retirement, Vicki decided to channel her creative energy into more of what she refers to as “right-brained activities.” Vicki had exposure to the arts from a young age. Her mother signed her up for art classes as a kid, and those experiences have impacted her creativity throughout her life. As she grew older and flourished as an accomplished chemical engineer,  she never lost sight of her interest in the arts. She took classes throughout her adulthood; she enriched her understanding of drawing, oils, pastels, and her preferred medium, watercolor. Although less forgiving than pastel and oil, watercolor gives Vicki the freedom to create quick sketches, to spill her vision onto paper in a more spontaneous fashion, perhaps capturing the world through her eyes as seen right then and there. 

Vicki’s inspiration is derived from our beautiful New Mexico landscape, as well as snapshots from her travels. She also is inspired by the works of John Singer Sargeant and his use of color and light. Though Vicki says her greatest challenge with watercolor painting is to add the finishing touches, she strives not to let the fear of ruining it stop her from completing her masterpiece. 

Vicki’s mastery expands beyond just visual art. As you read in our July issue, Vicki is an avid flute enthusiast, with a taste for classical chamber music. Vicki’s love for music was also fostered by her mother from a young age. At the age of 10, her mom taught her how to play the flute, and she took private instruction throughout high school. As a budding musician, Vicki graced her childhood home with sounds of the flute, entertaining family members and house guests alike. She performed in band and orchestra throughout grad school as well. Vicki says she found delight not only in the music itself but also in the teamwork amongst her fellow musicians. 

As if her talent wasn’t already diverse enough, this artist is also an avid seamstress, using her creative powers for humanitarian efforts. During the beginning of the pandemic, Vicki sewed hundreds of cloth masks to keep her community safe and healthy. On a more global plane, she also sews for the Days for Girls organization, which provides reusable sanitary kits for women in developing countries. Together with another Sonoma neighbor, the two have aided in meeting the basic needs of women around the world. We define our hobbies as the ways we spend our free time, an activity for pleasure and leisure. Vicki’s actions illustrate the power that comes from doing things that make our hearts sing. 

This renaissance woman has spent her life breaking the molds and shattering the glass ceilings. There’s no doubt her impact will last for years to come. Let us be reminded that behind each next door lies a hidden talent. Remember this sentiment the next time you need to borrow a cup of sugar.