Self-taught Grand Junction painter Cori Ward sees the world through bright, bold colors. Ward, 31, spent college summers as a raft and backpacking guide in the San Juan and Sangre De Cristo mountain ranges. She has traveled the world working with nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

“My experiences exposed me to elements that I had no control over and a beauty that couldn't be tamed,” she says.

Ward’s artwork — created with acrylics, black Sharpies and canvas, swathed in red rock and cerulean sky glory — reminds us of how breathtaking Colorado truly is.

Here, we take a beat to discover Cori Ward.

Spoke+Blossom: What inspired you to start painting?
Cori Ward: As a single female that works in education and has spent time working with different nonprofits, finances have always been tight. I started painting to see if I could create another source of income. The term “starving artist” unfortunately seems to have some legitimacy, but I was so overwhelmed by the support of my community that I've continued to pursue it.

S+B: How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it?
CW: Bright; bright and bold. A celebration of color. To me, the sharp edges, outlines and shapes are reality. Life has never been smooth and unbroken; it's been a collaboration of other peoples’ stories and experiences.

S+B: What is the piece you are proudest of?
CW: My Hanging Lake piece. I started this giant piece during the beginning of COVID. It was a challenging piece for me to navigate because of the water involved. But, I've fallen in love with it. It hasn't sold yet. In the meantime, it’s hanging in my house.

S+B: What do you want to be known for?
CW: At the end of the day, I don't want people to think about me. I want people to be inspired to go back outside, to anchor themselves in something foundational and wild, to be proud of where they live.

S+B: Any tips for aspiring painters?
CW: Know when to rest and take a break. Creating comes in seasons, and not every season can have the same dedication and focus as others.

S+B: What’s next for you?
CW: I would love to enter my work into a larger art festival. It feels beyond intimidating at this point, but I would love to build up to one. I've entered my most recent painting into the Palisade Wine Fest Art Competition. I'm proud of what I created and, win or lose, I love these events that our valley hosts. I want to continue to support local Grand Valley artists as best as I can.

See more of Cori’s artwork at coriwardartwork.com.

SHE WON!

Cori Ward won the 2022 Colorado Winefest Art Contest. Her “Palisade Paradise” piece will be featured on the wine totes, t-shirts, posters, brochures and across Colorado Mountain Winefest marketing.
*Photo by Amanda Conrads.*

Originally published in the Spring 2022 of Spoke+Blossom.

Artist To Discover: Cori Ward