My series “Made Up Memories” delves into the universal systems and the collaborative nature of our influence, captured through acrylic paintings. I explore nature and energy by layering transparent colours using a glazing technique to create depth, allowing the narrative to unfold intuitively.
The stories that surface on the canvas are followed, exaggerated, and elaborated upon to create paranormal and surreal visions. My paintings reflect my thoughts about love and life in many dimensions, investigating my relationship to the planet and its creatures and how we all fit together in the galaxy amongst the universe. I contemplate how greatly a tiny difference can change our perspective, like how creatures on the same planet can see different light spectrums.
Through my art, I question the consequences of our actions or inactions. I contemplate how we can become comfortable with the unpredictable predictability of self-destruction. The process of creating these paintings allows me to let go of the need to control and move along with the flow, constantly asking why or why not. Overall, my art is a journey of self-discovery and exploration of the interconnectedness of it all.
“Through my art, I question the consequences of our actions or inactions. I contemplate how we can become comfortable with the unpredictable predictability of self-destruction.”
Biography
Homegrown from Whitehorse, Yukon, Heather ‘Von’ Steinhagen is an intuitive, painter and fine toy maker. An “artist of sorts,” Heather’s passion for supporting creative innovation and heartfelt connections drive her career and art practice. She exhibits regularly and is often working on creative projects and participating in talks such as Indigenize Wikipedia (2018), The Art of Managing Your Career: Indigenous Perspectives (2015) and Becoming a Working Artist, Artist Talk (2021). In her downtime, Heather builds websites, wanders the woods, and advocates the importance of early childhood education and lifelong learning.
Heather has a Visual Arts Diploma (Vancouver Island University) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Community-based Arts Education (Concordia University). Heather has worked as an Arts Administrator for the Yukon Arts Centre, Government of Yukon Tourism and Culture, was the former Executive Director of the Yukon Arts Society, and is currently working part-time for the Canadian Crafts Federation as the Craft Content Developer.
