Carolyn Heffelfinger - My paintings are an expression of my love of nature. As a child, my desire to draw began at an early age and I would put to use any paper surface my mother could provide for me. I hope to convey to the viewer the passion, beauty, and reverence i feel when exploring our magical natural world. Majoring in fine art at Kent State University, Carolyn focused on painting the figure. She worked as a graphic artist immediately after college and later for seven years as an illustrator's assistant. Close observation, photography and her almost daily treks into the woods, fields and along the Big Walnut Creek, over which her studio sits, have been the inspirational reference for her richly colored, realistic oil paintings. Carolyn has been included in local and national juried competitions in which she has been recognized and awarded for her paintings.
To View Carolyn’s Work Click: Here
I experience. Then, I paint. My art, like my life, revolves around my chronic migraines. Everything that I do follows the ebb, flow and crest of wellness. When a migraine comes on, even with my eyes closed, I "see" things. Colors and shapes flood my mind in fluid poetry. These mystical images recede, shift, radiate and pulse, becoming more vibrant and vivid with every capture! Frequently, I paint through a migraine, trying to quickly tap into what I see. When I can’t, I’m able to recall the imagery at a later time, and commit that to canvas. My work is a constant search to best represent the three and often four dimensional images of my mind onto a two dimensional, flat surface. Each piece I create evolves from a meditative and introspective process, wherein I become one with my art: It is being aware in that moment, being mindful, acknowledging the pain and chaos, and losing myself to the visual symphony that unfolds. Some notes are peaceful while others discordant. I've trained myself to paint through the pain and discomfort: my breathing slows down, my jaw unclenches, and my body slowly begins to relax. Often, completing a painting acts as a release, and reminds me that my mind can do more than just process pain: It can transform pain into beauty.
To View Priya’s Work Click: Here
