H E A T H E R     G O T T F R I E D  

Artist Bio

Heather Gottfried (formerly Glendening)  is a practicing artist, specializing in acrylic mixed media abstract art and photography. She maintains her own art and photography studios in Olathe, KS, where she resides with her other half, Hal, and kitties Symba and Sassy. In addition to her studio work, she is also an avid world traveler, movie aficionado and nature buff. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Studio Art from Central Missouri State University.

Artist Statement

I am a contemporary, abstract, mixed media artist. I craft inspired, unique combinations of various textures and colors to create a piece that is just as physically stimulating as it is visual. The texture gives the pieces extra magic-you will find no art behind glass in my studio!

To me, art is a synthesis of my personal feelings, mood, the subject or colors that inspire me and my materials and techniques.  I find inspiration in nature, people, events, and even the weather.  Everything in my life is heavily focused on texture, from my foods to my clothes to my choices of media. Just as there are certain foods that I will not eat due to texture, there are certain items I will not use in my art pieces because I don't like the way they feel under my fingertips. I sometimes do not use paint brushes, preferring the feel of the paint and other materials on my hands. I don't use an easel, stir directly on my canvas, and create my art from images that dominate my mind until I release them onto the canvas. 

Although I have completed many single pieces, I have included a description of some of my favorite series.

The IMMORTALITY Series is a collection of 21 pieces (and growing) of dried petals, shrubs and handmade paper and other small items that capture various events or people and immortalizes them. I use items from weddings, vacations, funerals, bridal showers, baby showers and other life events which are important either to me or to my recipient. I shape them into a beautiful lasting memento, so one can look at the piece and recall the person or event it symbolizes with fondness, as though looking at a photograph...but more special.

The LIFE Series begins with a triptage on oak panels with rubber cement, polyurethane, sand and acrylic washes. The series cascades into canvas with heavy textures including shredded plastic, gels, sand, beads, glue, soda, wine and other various items. This limited series contains only multiple panel pieces and includes the pieces TRANSITION, VISION, GROWTH, PASSION, STRENGTH, ANGER and TRANQUILITY.

The PC Series is a growing collection and is comprised of acrylic, beads, flowers, sand, glue, sheet music, handmade paper and cake, and includes MY SWEET HAL, HGSQUARED, TOUCHY FEELY and RED WINE AND BRIE.

I hope you enjoy my work and it stirs something inside of you. Thanks for stopping by!

H A L     G O T T F R I E D

Artist Bio

I am an aspiring photoghraper and glass blower. Currently I find myself working in a 3D medium creating computer assisted graphics. I currently live in Olathe, KS with my one great love Heather and our two crazy kitties.

In addition to my love of photography and the outdoors, I enjoy spending time in nature and exploring the globe. I truly believe that each person in this life has been giving the ability to achive greatness. It's how you use this ability that shows your true character.

Artist Statment

For some years now I have adopted a philosophy of "less is more". I describe my works by saying, "It is often more important what you take out of an image than what you leave in." I like to explore the beauty of simple, small or ordinary subjects. 

I am interested in the landscape that surrounds us, but is missed naturally by our eyes. I want viewers to look at my images and to understand the beauty that was there. Although there may be many ways to synchronize with the rhythm of the universe, I have chosen to do it looking through a camera.It is my belief that a successful artist never truly "captures" a moment but "releases" it to others.

Every piece is a constant effort to find the camera angle from which the subject can be the most that it can be – whatever that may be. 

If it is the serenity of a forest or a peacful flowing stream, then I want the angle from which those attributes become the absolute most they can be at that very moment. And so it leads me on, to explore angles, space, reflections, and light. 

It is in this exploration that I strive to make sense visually and trust the poetry, will follow.