In this episode, Alicia hosts an interview with figurative artist, scenic painter, and independent curator Heather Heitzenrater. They discuss the artist's ongoing series of work centered around reflective surfaces and the human form, her experiences working as a scenic painter, and other highlights in her career thus far.

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Heather Heitzenrater was born in 1992 and grew up in Punxsutawney, PA. She now lives with her husband and their two cats in Pittsburgh, PA. Heather received her BFA in Painting and Drawing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2015. Her work has been shown Nationally including Erie Art Museum, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, and Baton Rouge Gallery. She has been published in Poet Artist Magazine, Pikchur Magazine and Minus 37. Heather has won awards, given artist talks, curated and juried local art shows. In addition, she is as an active member of The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Along with showing her work, Heather instructs figurative workshops at Pittsburgh Center of the Arts and is a Scenic Artist for ScareHouse. Heather and her husband, Christopher Boring, share a space at the Radiant Hall Susquehanna location.

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Statement

I have always enjoyed science fiction and fantasy novels; what fascinated me the most involved the characters’ traveling to faraway lands, much different than our own. These portals left me completely spellbound, and I would imagine myself stumbling upon one, awaiting the wonders on the other side. I wanted to find a world that beckoned us in with its allure of mystery and enchantment.

My work incorporates the figure with reflective Mylar. Its silver, liquid-like surface forms abnormal shapes and catches magnificent colors from its surroundings. Similarly with mirrors, reflections contort images in ways that makes us see things differently. It creates abstract images in real life by twisting and bending to the point where objects and places are intangible. I use these reflections to create a world full of chaos and curiosity that lure the viewer to come closer.

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If you would like to connect with the artist, please visit her website or follow her on Instagram here.