Frederick Bertin

Gianne knew from an early age she was destined to be an artist. With preliminary sketches that began in second grade, she branched out into singing, sculpture, flute and performance. She studied fine arts at the University of California, Irvine during the Minimalist avant garde movement, and then moved to Paris at age 27. Why? Because every artist must at least travel to Paris and she wanted to immerse herself in the culture and milieu. At this time, Gianne was married to the hyper-realist artist, Richard Harper. Gianne worked as a studio assistant to Jennifer Bartlett in Paris while continuing to pursue her art.

In 1990, she was invited to the American Academy in Rome to be one of three resident artists for the academic year. It was this time of intense exploration that proved to be one of her strongest artistic experiences.

Gianne used her artistic vision to completely restore the family's 18th century château and estate complete with authentic color palettes and details, fabrics and period furniture. The chateau is a living museum and testament to a historically vibrant past that celebrated all of the fine arts. Gianne recently completed restoration of her artist's studio on the chateau grounds. Gianne's life within the setting of the chateau and surrounding forest has been a foundation for the exploration of her new work in imaginary landscapes. The result is sincere and meaningful work that speaks to collectors who are sensitive to contemplative composition.

In 1997, she co-founded Laurier, a salon dedicated to discovering and introducing new artists to an elite and private public: CEOs, diplomats, producers and collectors. Laurier is evolving into a European art foundation. She sings in the semi-professional Paris Choral Society and is frequently requested to play improvisational flute music at events.

Gianne has published four limited edition artists' books with recognized poets and authors, including «Transylvania» by Maria Maîllat which is in the French National Archival collection. She was awarded a purchase prize by the Colas Foundation in 2001. Gianne had her first solo painting exhibition in Paris in 1987, and is referenced in the National Museum of Women in the Arts, in Washington DC. She has since exhibited solo in France, Germany, Sweden and Italy. She has exhibited widely with other artists in France and New York. Gianne continues to exhibit her art regularly in France, and her works are permanantly on view at the prestigious Parisian gallery, Jean-Luc Méchiche, 182 Faubourg Saint Honoré in the 8th arrondisment.