When asked how she became an artist, sculptor Heather Patterson replied, “I just seem to be built that way.” Heather is passionate about creating, and is constantly inspired by her daily surroundings and experiences. The artist’s body of work is governed by her mission to reassign meaning to materials that have outlived their perceived purpose. She works with reclaimed wood and window panes to produce geometric wall sculptures that may remind the viewer of abstract modernist paintings. Modernism conjures an underlying tension in Heather-–a “vibration,” she calls it. Each sculpture is created without a premeditated plan or sketch, but is instead governed by feeling and intuition.
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About The Artist
Artist Statement
I build three dimensional sculpture mosaics using only found wood, sea glass, ceramics and metals. Collecting the unremarkable evidence left behind from life- items that are washed up on a beach or tossed on the street, construction materials from demolitions and renovations, I take what is overlooked and connect them with a new purpose.
The process of creation begins with the collecting, the physical act of cleaning, cutting & sanding, sorting, staining and drilling. Cutting the wood into blocks en masse, I allow the wood to find its’ place rather than measuring blocks to fill a space. Remarkably, there is always the right size for the right space. It is the process & the materials that tell the story, I may have a preconceived idea of what will be made, but ultimately, my hands will connect with the energy of the materials and the life remaining in the wood will bring forth its’ own story. I build & create intuitively, mindful of the ways in which our lives are constantly being pieced together within ourselves, with others, how much of life is a story of rupture and resurrection.
It is my hope that my art will bring the viewer a new perspective on the elements and items that surround our everyday life, a wonder for how many things we encounter in the course of this lifetime journey and how everything has a place regardless of how it began, evolving into a new meaning.
Hear What Collectors Say About Heather's Work
Shirley you have certainly made letting them got easier, knowing they are enjoyed with such graciousness. You are very kind & your generous words give me great confidence!
Heather, I look at Supply & Demand and Everything Belongs throughout the day, every day and I still find great joy in them. These are high quality workmanship, creative, clever, beautiful and captivating. You have brought great happiness into my days with your art. Thank you again for letting these come live with me. I don't know how you let them go but you do, you did and I am very grateful. Hugs, s
you bless me, Shirley, thank you!
Heather, I am speechless. "Supply & Demand" is far more fantastic in person. The photo image is good but the texture and colors are so profound in person. My gosh! And the sea glass. I am just thrilled. I also remain in love with "Everything Belongs." I look at it so often and it just continues to make me happy.I just drown in the sheer joy. Thank you so much. Thank you for sharing your talent. Thank you for trusting me to take good care of these expressions. You are an amazing woman.
Shirley! I am so excited Supply & Demand will be going home to you, thank you very much!
Makes a lot of sense- my favorites would be Supply & Demand and Between the Lines. And yes red & blue are difficult to find, but the holy grail out here on the east coast is purple!
Interesting. And if you had to choose just one. Which is your favorite? I spent time walking on Washington state beaches and bays and the collections of sea sanded wood, sea glass, shells and odds and ends left behind by others is a wonderful memory for me. These works of art take me there - to a peaceful and promising place. Make sense? It became so difficult to find blue or red sea glass on those beaches. Why did they go to plastics? Drat!
I see you made a decision, thank you so much. The black pebbled pieces are actually burned wood. I make an open campfire in Maine & burn long pieces of wood before cutting them into blocks. They are sealed & treated to maintain their texture & make sure admirers don't end up with sooty fingers! After Thoughts Delayed came after one of those times when you know what you're about to do is wrong, but you set aside the consequences & go ahead anyway. A situation of choosing comfort over character building.
Fascinating. Not surprised there are deep and meaningful stories behind each one. These exude feelings. After Thoughts Delayed? I like that one too. The black pebbled block recurs - what is the origin of that piece of wood? I think I am stuck on Everything Belongs.
Fascinating. Not surprised there are deep and meaningful stories behind each one. These exude feelings. After Thoughts Delayed?
Three very different choices indeed....I'll give you their stories in the order they were created. Red Light Fall from Grace came first, made in response to that moment of realization when we know we've veered off our path, stop, stand still & wonder how we've gotten so far away from what's important. The Balance of Things is the action of that realization, weighing options, what was & what could be. Everything Belongs is an exhale of acceptance into the knowledge that there can be no pretty without ugly, no joy without grief. All of my pieces are really a language, a way for me to say what is unsayable.
I don't know how you ever let these incredible creations go. I have narrowed it down to Balance of Things, Red Light Falls from Grace and Everything Belongs. And there is not one of these 12 that I would not like. They are all truly fascinating and I think deep treasures.
you're very kind, thank you! Were there any pieces in particular you were interested in that I could tell you more about? And by the way, I am often torn between hanging a piece in my home or putting it out into the world!
I am so captivated. I can't narrow down a choice yet. So unique. The materials. Artistic flair. The texture and designs you are able to create are really extraordinary.
Heard you Tuesday loud and clear. Hope I find my bucket of scrap wood. Beautiful message I needed to hear. Saved me for another day. Wish you weren't so far away...
thank you so much!!
some really good stuff here!