Visual Art – Austin
Heather was born in Germany to American parents, but grew up in Illinois. Though she demonstrated an early interest in drawing, photography, and creating structures, it would be many years before she took her artistic talents seriously. Living somewhat of a gypsy lifestyle, Heather attended the Air Force Academy and lived in Colorado Springs for a year and a half, followed by a stint in Tucson and attendance at University of Arizona. She soon headed to Austin to join family, to complete her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and to educate middle school students. A gift of a Canon Rebel SLR camera helped awake the creative sleeping giant. Then, while teaching at a local middle school, Heather pushed her students to explore their creative sides by illustrating science concepts in novel ways. Their enthusiasm drew her in, and soon she was capturing and manipulating her own world through the camera, computers, and metal sculpture.
Statement:
My art is about connections -- connecting me to others. When people view my art for the first time, they don\'t always see the connection between the image and the frame. As they look at my work, I love that moment when their eyes light up, and I know that they understand. It is in that instant, when they are lost in their own private thoughts and emotions creating a memory, that I know we will share a connection forever. What better legacy is there for an artist?
Process:
My art is about connections -- connecting images to frames in a new and novel way -- welding space and texture together. Each step in the process of creation is connected to the next: an original photograph is altered to create two images using digital technology. One image is a true representation, the other is an interpretation of the original photo. Acrylic is applied to both. The images are then connected to their respective frames with welding to extend the image details beyond the canvas.