Today we’d like to introduce you to Heide Follin
Heide, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a visual artist inspired by nature and am compelled to create “visual wanderings” in a contemporary way. I am not interested in making realistic paintings but rather put down the essence and impression of a place or object. I listen to my emotions where color is concerned, find joy in vibrant clean colors put down in an inventive way and love to use a variety of ways to make marks with paint.
I am a graduate of the School of the Worcester Art Museum, studied at Parsons School of Design, as well as many professional art workshops and classes. I actively show my work, have won many awards and have work in personal art collections throughout the US. My art studio is located at Wilson Avenue Loft Artists in South Norwalk, CT.
As a former art director/graphic designer, I tap into that design experience. Color, value, shape and line are core as well as how the eye flows through the work. My love of experimenting with paint sends me in new directions. I like to figure out how drawing and painting can merge together in a painting and continually look for new ways to combine them. Trying out differing ways to “start” work is also something that I play with. Using new tools and being inventive in the way the paint is applied continues to be exciting. Among the artists that make me look and look again are Dana Schutz, Carrie Moyer, Neal Welliver and Lois Dodd.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My personal interpretation of landscape explores and combines free-form drawing, playing with paint viscosity, flat areas contrasting shiny, vibrant color singing against adjacent hues, textures and meandering lines. Close ups of botanical specimens as well as expansive landscape engage me. Subject matter as diverse as Himalayan prayer flags and Connecticut gardens. I uncover patterns and detail, transforming it into something else using acrylic paint.
One example of how this idea grew, came from a trip to visit the peaceful himalayan country of Bhutan. My interpretation of how design elements in hand-loomed tapestries and Buddhist prayer flags relate to and wove their way into the landscape became the subject of many paintings in a series. I used designs from the weavings and imposed them it into the environment.
My hope is that my work will evoke emotions in people, give them joy, get involved in the piece have an emotional connection. People that own my work have told me time and time again that they bought my piece because it made them happy and every time they look at it in their home they feel joy.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
The role of artists and musicians is to create and share–it’s a way of life. The arts in a community cannot be underestimated for what it brings. It makes that area vibrant, relevant and a place where people want to live.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen at the following upcoming shows: All work is for sale.
ORGANIC EXPLORATIONS
Heide Follin painting and Ellen Schiffman fiber art.
Pelham Curtis Gallery, New Canaan Library Opening reception Thursday, August 9, 6 – 8
Show dates: August 9 – September 23, 2018
Hours: Mon–Thu, 9AM – 8PM | Fri–Sat, 9AM–5PM | Sun Closed
203.594.5003 newcanaanlibrary.org
Sorelle Gallery of Fine Art
Reception Date: August 23, Thursday 5-8
Show Dates: August 8 – 24
Hours: 10AM – 6PM Mon-Sat | Closed Sundays
Sorelle Gallery Fine Art, 84 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
203.920.1900 www.sorellegallery.com
WALA OPEN STUDIOS
225 Wilson Avenue Loft Artists
Nov 30-Dec 2
You can also find me on the web, FB and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Address: Wilson Avenue Loft Artists, Art Studio #5
225 Wilson Avenue, South Norwalk, CT - Website: www.heidefollin.com
- Email: heidefollin@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/heidefollin
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeideFollin
Image Credit:
Heide Follin
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