ABOUT Heather

I started working in Textile Mixed Media during the pandemic.

Looking around my studio space, I noticed an overabundance of textiles, watercolor supplies, lots of embroidery threads, and a multitude of boxes filled with ephemera and photographs of times spent traveling. It felt like the perfect time to research what artists around the world were doing with their collections of textiles. I then fell into the rabbit hole of Instagram, discovering innovative textile artists in England using this pandemic time to hold online workshops - teaching courses on recycling used clothing, using paint and dye, pen, and inks. It re-conceptualized what I had previously perceived as the typical way we use textiles in art. My immediate thought was “Why not?”

In addition to using painted recycled textiles, I reached into my extensive collection of textile “scraps,” re-imagining their use. Printing images on textiles, using old photos and my own sketches, has become a natural extension. I also started to insert cut and torn segments of my watercolor impressions and incorporating simple printmaking into my artwork. Texture is an important element. Loose threads, raffia, torn textiles all make their way into the art. Frankly, not a whole lot gets tossed into the trash.
My work is a mixture of experiences, emotions, memories, impressions or snapshots of time - from past and present. Abstract and colorful.

My work is currently being shown at: Graton Gallery, 9048 Graton Rd., Graton California 95444. Graton Gallery - California Fine Art & Artisan Crafts