Taking It All In

Cannon Beach, OR

Chole.

A new collection of photos I have taken. Now that I have more time I will be uploading more frequently. I am also working on a new print! (Intaglio dry point) which should be done sometime after Halloween. If you are interested in buying any of the work on this blog please contact me. Heathe418@aol.com. Enjoy :)

Beth and Nate, Strummin Away
La Crosse, WI

Streetlight Soliloquist.
La Crosse, WI

Leaf Kabob

An old painting that I re-worked last month. A color study of warm hues, depth, and texture

"Subluxated" and "Aqua Assertions"

Both monoprints

Bodyscape

Senior Show
Close up of Morning Routine

My copper plates in the studio

Senior show printmaking series drypoint/line etch on copper. Click on prints to enlarge!

"Aparigraha"

The concept of non-possessiveness, which I have learned about through my yoga practices. The term usually means to limit possessions to what is necessary or important, which changes with the time period. This print relates to my life while I struggle to let go of people or posessions that surround me. The figure is clutching an object with force, to demonstrate a literal struggle with "letting go" Now that I am practicing this concept more often, I find myself able to give more positive energy to the most important people in my life. Possessions clutter my mind, take up precious time and energy that could be more effectively directed towards that/those who matter.

"Phenomenally"

This print was inspired by Maya Angelou's Phenomenal Woman. Representing a female figure who has strength and confidence.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies

I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size

But when I start to tell them They think I'm telling lies.

I say It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips

The stride of my steps

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please

And to a man

The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees

Then they swarm around me A hive of honey bees.

I say It's the fire in my eyes

And the flash of my teeth

The swing of my waist

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say It's in the arch of my back

The sun of my smile

The ride of my breasts

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say It's in the click of my heels

The bend of my hair

The palm of my hand

The need for my care. '

Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

-Maya Angelou

"Lotus"
Lotus pose in Sanskrit is Padmasana and many of the eastern texts say that Padmasasna destroys disease and awakens kundalini, or the energy force within. There are also many other benefits of this pose. Simple and calming, something I am still striving for with my inner spirit. The lotus is also a remarkable flower in its outer beauty and its symbolism of purity within the heart and mind, long life, health, and honor.

Transcending Time;Time pauses while I am thrown down under a foaming wave scurrying to figure out which way is up;Not only was I perfectly interested in the moment that I was experiencing, I became that moment;I thought if there is a heaven, this has to be what it’s like.

Intaglio multiplate print by Heather Neff

While this print seems to serve a personal function, I hope that my viewers find personal meaning by looking into themselves and thinking about how time is relevant to their lives. In our society a vast majority of people let time control them so much that they are never fully present. Many doctors and therapists recommend that patients forget about time for parts of their day and lose themselves in an activity which creates flow, or completely living in the moment. Studies have proven the health benefits of people who engage in activities or events which focus on parts of this eastern philosophy. During my moments of transcending time I have felt more alive, loved, relaxed, and connected with a higher power. I hope that people can relate my print and make a connection to a moment in their life when they had felt that way. I think that our world would be a little more peaceful and happier if people took time to forget about the past and the future and become fully engulfed in the present.

I tell you the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. -Vincent Van Gogh

We are half way through the fall semester, my creativity and drive is at a high, but I want to keep my focus on the figure. We have been fortunate enough to have models every week, which gives me more practice and confidence with my work. I have been looking at Rodin and Egon Schieles works for inspiration, both were great draftsmen. I found a great book of Rodin's drawings a few weeks ago and had a difficult time putting it down. I am also working on a multi-color print built on personal content dealing with identity, nature, and questions. This print has been a bit of a challenge because I usually don't work so indirectly with intaglio. However, after reading about Marc Chagall on our UWL printmaking blog.... http://printfever.blogspot.com/
I learn more about the intaglio process and feel more comfortable "attacking my plates," BPJ.
Chagall worked extensively on his plates, and his prints display evidence of considerable change over the previous one. Sometimes Chagall would let entire compositions fall into the background or into deep etches. He seems to have no fear and trust the work of the acid. A great inspiration.

The beginning of a new semester!
This is a photo that was taken of me at a tapas bar in Triana. Triana is village in Sevilla that is well known for their bonita ceramicas! The use of ceramic tiles could be seen throughout the many restaurants and houses. The background of this image is made out of colorful ceramic tiles. Anyway this semester I will be focusing specifically on printmaking with continuing emphasis on the human figure, experiment with organic patterning and color, with the possibility of some Spanish influence. I am also brainstorming some ideas for a print dealing with artistic social responsibility. Some thoughts include....health care in our country, prescription medications, natural healing vs western medicine.....any ideas or comments are always welcome! More to come soon!

Monoprints!
The following images were produced at the end of the spring semester. They are a series of figure
prints (and one painting)/self-portraits done to experiment with color and learn more about the human form.