EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH HEIDI MCKEOWN - DESTIG TOP ARTIST FOR 2019.
Tell us about yourself and background.
I am an emerging artist from Minnesota. Three years ago I found myself at a crossroads having raised my children as an at home mother and then having the challenge of reinventing myself as an empty nester, so I decided to paint. I started painting for my own enrichment and development, not intending to sell my work or to call myself an artist. It has been an unusual journey as it quickly became evident that my paintings resonated with people and that there was a demand for what I was doing.
Tell us about your work.
I’m known for my large, colorful abstract acrylic paintings. I’m also known as a prolific painter as in this short time I have created nearly 500 paintings and filled up a 5,000 square foot studio and gallery. I don’t think of colors as warm or cool, but as loud or soft. I usually paint horizontally with large scrapers found at hardware stores. I also don’t know what I’m going to paint when I start out, as I prefer to let the paint and colors guide me and I’m often shocked to see where they lead. I’m happiest when I’m learning and lost in paint.
Tell us about yourself and background.
I am an emerging artist from Minnesota. Three years ago I found myself at a crossroads having raised my children as an at home mother and then having the challenge of reinventing myself as an empty nester, so I decided to paint. I started painting for my own enrichment and development, not intending to sell my work or to call myself an artist. It has been an unusual journey as it quickly became evident that my paintings resonated with people and that there was a demand for what I was doing.
Tell us about your work.
I’m known for my large, colorful abstract acrylic paintings. I’m also known as a prolific painter as in this short time I have created nearly 500 paintings and filled up a 5,000 square foot studio and gallery. I don’t think of colors as warm or cool, but as loud or soft. I usually paint horizontally with large scrapers found at hardware stores. I also don’t know what I’m going to paint when I start out, as I prefer to let the paint and colors guide me and I’m often shocked to see where they lead. I’m happiest when I’m learning and lost in paint.
"I prefer to let the paint and colors guide me and I’m often shocked to see where
they lead."
What makes your work and approach unique?
One of the things that makes my work unique is that I usually don’t mix my colors on a pallet; instead I let the colors mix themselves on my canvas. The result has been a surprising reaction to the vibrancy of the colors. Often my work is described as being extremely uplifting and my studio space is described this way as well.
Why is your work a good investment?
If one loves a piece of art then I think it is a good investment. Regarding my art; my sights are set high and my clients know I diligently work to keep up with demand. It is not uncommon for a client to buy multiple paintings, as my work is constantly changing and growing as I develop as a painter. This keeps my clients engaged, as my work stays fresh and reinvigorated.
Tell us about some of your achievements.
My painting titled “Anno Domini- Saint John’s Abbey Church” was the first painting to leave my studio and is installed in the university’s library that was designed by Marcel Breuer and also hangs over one of his original benches. A client asked me to fill their model home with my paintings featured in an Artisan Home Tour. I’ve also been accepted into national call juried shows along with being a feature artist in the Artful Living Magazine. My studio and gallery also keep me busy as I work with designers, architects and clients.
"It has been an unusual journey as it quickly became evident that my paintings resonated with people and that there was a demand for what I was doing."
What are your sources of inspiration?
My source of inspiration is twofold. First; it’s color, paint and curiosity as I love color, I love what paint does, and I love to learn. Second; it’s from painters who have come before me.
A quote by August Renoir is printed on my studio wall: “One must from time to time, attempt things that are beyond one’s capacity.” The other quote that inspires me is by Andy Warhol: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decided if it’s good or bad whether they love or hate it. While they are deciding make even more art.” When I realized I was an abstract painter it took me by surprise. I’m self taught and I found I suddenly spoke a different language. Studying other abstract painters often brings me to tears both in the relief that maybe I’m not crazy and also in amazement of what they have done with this language.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about interior design and architecture. My imaginary muse for many of my paintings is either a red or a cobalt blue womb chair designed by Eero Saarinen. I usually feel a painting is complete when I know it can rest comfortably next to one of them. I study architecture and interior design, as I aim to put my paintings in certain structures and designs.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a large project in Florida.
"I would like my viewer to know that anything is possible; we just have to try."
Tell us the back-story of some of your projects.
The same team that printed the Saint John’s Bible created the print of my painting titled “Anno Domini- Saint John’s Abbey Church”. It took us nine hours to make the print on a Heidelberg press and during the process I fell in love with the color test sheets that were being discarded, thus “Anno Domini-Winter” was discovered. It intrigues me how technology found its’ way into my work by me digging in the trash bin asking to “save this one!” and “save that one!” It was a delightful experience in that I also got to hear stories of the arduous work they did on the Saint John’s Bible with master calligrapher Donald Jackson. The experience was a day of gratitude and thrills.
How do you feel about art and its role in the world today?
I’m very grateful for all forms of art especially in the challenging world we live in. I feel it is essential both for our sanity and for our balance as humans.
"I do believe it is possible for art, in both its creation and experience to be of the moment. The 'Ahah' response."
How do you want your art to affect viewers?
My painting journey started at mid-life thus I’d like to inspire people to know that their passions matter regardless of age.
As our life circumstances change we can take the changes as an opportunity to find fulfillment in ways we never imagined.
I would like my viewer to know that anything is possible; we just have to try. When people enter my studio and I see their eyes light up and their jaws drop, I know I’ve hit my mark and that indeed, the words of August Renoir hold as true today as when he first said them.
Website: www.centervillestudio.com
| PDF of the Interview in DESTIG Magazine |