Allison Harn is an artist based in Cary, NC, with over 17 years of experience in illustration and design. Specializing in acrylic gouache, oil, and watercolor, she draws inspiration from both childhood nostalgia and the natural world. Her work captures the beauty of nature through detailed landscapes and vibrant scenes, reflecting a deep connection to the outdoors. Allison holds a BFA in Painting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Allison Harn’s work delves into the complex interplay between nostalgia and nature, exploring how memory and the natural world shape our emotional landscapes. Her practice reflects personal experiences, offering a space where the past and present coexist through evocative imagery. Working in acrylic gouache, oil, and watercolor, Harn uses contrast to create pieces that balance serene tranquility with moments of vibrant joy, often highlighted through her playful use of color.
Central to her practice is the tension between fleeting memories and the timelessness of nature. Harn often juxtaposes the warmth of recollection with the rawness of the natural world, creating a dialogue that invites reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of our connections to both. Harn’s use of movement, light, and texture, paired with her vibrant color choices, infuses each piece—whether a landscape or figurative work—with emotional depth and resonance, while also bringing a sense of liveliness and playfulness to her work.
Rather than focusing on singular pieces, Harn’s practice often takes shape through small, cohesive series of 3-5 pieces, each offering a unique perspective on a shared theme. These series allow her to explore specific contrasts—whether between the stillness of nature and human intervention, or the balance of introspection and vibrant joy. Ultimately, Harn’s work is an invitation to contemplate the emotional weight of nature and memory, and the delicate balance between them.