Heather is an artist living in Cincinnati, OH.
Describe your work as if you're speaking to a 5 year old.
I make art with cotton fabric. I focus primarily on colors and shapes to express my thoughts and emotions. I’m inspired by antique and vintage American quilts, especially those made by my ancestors.
Your preferred method of getting that good creative vibe going.
Show up and follow your gut. Not every day in the studio creates the best work, but they all lead to moments of clarity and breakthroughs in my practice. I also like to listen to music while I’m working which I find helps get my creativity going.
One living artist or designer you want to have cocktails with.
I would love to have cocktails with Beverly Fishman. In full disclosure, it has happened once, but I would love for it to happen again!
What drives you absolutely nuts about the (art) world?
The lack of recognition that women artists often receive, particularly those who are mothers as well.
A quote or lyric that your brain won’t shake.
One of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite authors:
"Only at twilight can an ordinary mortal walk in light and dark at once--feet plodding through night, eyes turned up toward bright day. It is a glimpse into eternity, that bewildering notion of endless time, where light and dark exist simultaneously." - Margaret Renkl - Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss
Most recent song you've been listening to on repeat.
Never Let Me Go by Florence + the Machine
Last book you read that you couldn't put down.
Another Margaret Renkl book, her latest, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year. I’m currently listening to the audiobook in the studio and I look forward to it every day.
Recent life upgrade that's been a game changer.
My kids are now older teenagers and they don’t need me in the same way as they did when they were younger, which has allowed me more studio time (and more fascinating conversations with my kids as well).
Advice, compliment, insult...something that you will never forget.
Someone once told me I was too nice to make it in the professional world. So I’ve made it a point to be kind and present myself positively in a world that is often negative. To prove that you can be successful through kindness and generosity rather than selfishness, jealousy and competition.
What podcast or show are you recommending that others may not have heard/seen?
One of my favorite podcasts is I Like Your Work by Erika Hess. Erika is such a champion of artists and a great interviewer as well.
If you could teleport to any bar right now, which bar would it be and what would you be drinking?
The Octagon Bar in the Clarence Hotel, and I would be drinking a Guinness.
If someone asks you to cook your "specialty" - what are you cooking?
Does baking count? Because that’s my specialty and it would have to be a cheesecake with a sponge cake crust. I make it for every holiday and some birthdays too.
What was the most memorable field trip you can remember going on?
When I was in third grade my class visited a local culinary institute that was within walking distance of my elementary school. I remember being fascinated by the large, industrial kitchens and professional baking equipment.
A piece of art in your home that you LOVE.
My favorite work of art in our home is a painting by my husband Jeff that he made when we were in graduate school at the University of Cincinnati. It was the first one that he gave me when we were first dating. It hangs above my desk in my office and I love seeing it every day.
Huge shout out to ______ for ______!
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