It's no surprise that we had the loveliest conversation with artist Heather Kiser about living a creative life and finding beauty in the everyday. Her art is a reflection of her beautiful approach to life, and we are so thrilled to welcome her to the Studio Collective! Read our interview with Heather and be sure to check out her collection in our opening show!
Walk us through the steps you follow for your paintings:
My painting process varies based on the medium. With my watercolor and ink florals, I begin by considering my reference photo and roughly determining mentally how I want to approach the painting in terms of composition and color. I then dive right into the watercolor portion and finish it in one sitting, making adjustments as I go. (I almost never do a sketch beforehand for these paintings because I find that working intuitively keeps the result looking loose and fresh.) After the watercolor dries, I then add ink with either a dip pen or a Micron pen, focusing on adding detail to enhance rather than structure the existing watercolor.
What inspires you?
So many things! I have an open document in my mobile journal dedicated to painting ideas that is organized by season, and I add to it whenever an idea strikes me. At this point, I will never be at a loss for ideas! My everyday life is my most enduring source of inspiration. Glimpses of things that seem interesting in some way–some flowers seen on a stroller walk, the pleasing geometry of morning shadows on the side of a wall, a chair in a magazine that reminds me of one that my grandmother had, an interesting turn of phrase from a TV show–all of it can become the seeds of a collection. I find that I tend to think in terms of color palettes and composition, even about everyday experiences, and I’m constantly making associations and asking “what if?” questions in my mind. It can drive my family crazy! My daughters often complain that “Mommy, you’re always saying that ordinary things are beautiful.”
What do you find rewarding about painting?
Creating is a mental workout. I fail as much (and sometimes more) than I succeed, and I definitely experience discouragement. Like a workout, however, the feeling that I have when I’m in the zone, the paint flows smoothly, and a piece finally emerges that expresses my vision is an incredible rush and keeps me coming back for more. Even if no one sees my creations, the fulfillment that I experience in the creation process by making something new is worth all of the hard work that is often involved. The ability to share part of that process with the world is an immense honor.
Favorite paint color?
I mostly use Daniel Smith watercolors, and several are in constant rotation in my botanicals. Quinacridone Gold is an absolute essential. It’s the perfect warm orange-yellow that produces glowing washes out of the tube and also mixes the most beautiful, realistic greens. Green Apatite Genuine is a pigment made from minerals and creates the loveliest range of olive greens with high granulation, or texture. This pigment can be tricky to use, but learning how to manage it is well-worth the effort for the lovely depth in foliage that it offers. Rose of Ultramarine is a gorgeous blend of Quinacridone Rose and Ultramarine Blue that together form a dimensional purple. I love the variations that this vibrant mix creates for floral petals: no two are ever the same! Finally, my favorite pigment of all time–in any medium–is Cobalt Teal Blue. Halfway between aqua and turquoise, this bright greenish-blue pigment is the loveliest color imaginable and reminds me of the ocean waters that we saw in Maui on our honeymoon.
What is your favorite period of art history?
The Pre-Raphaelite period of the nineteenth century was a major focus of my academic work, and unsurprisingly, it has had an immense impact on how I think about art. The layers of meaning in these pieces, the meticulous attention to detail, and the fusion of painting and poetry all contribute to the power of these works. Experiencing the incredible luminosity of many of these paintings firsthand in London’s Tate Britain made them truly come alive for me. Every aspect of their presentation is thoughtfully shaped by the artist, from the poetry engraved on the canvases to the bespoke frames, and all of these elements combine to invite interaction from the viewer. Although my own style is more impressionistic, one of my highest goals is to create similarly dynamic art.
Favorite artist from history?
My PhD dissertation focuses on the work of Julia Margaret Cameron, one of the first women photographers, and her approach to art has had the most impact on my mindset. Cameron is now considered one of the pioneers of fine art photography for her innovative out-of-focus techniques and treatment of photography as an art medium, but the value of her work was not appreciated for a long period of time. Despite significant criticism and many other obstacles that faced Victorian women photographers, Cameron stayed firm in the belief that photography had the ability to be fine art. She worked tirelessly to convey the intangible, spiritual essence of her subjects through her camera, and she often used photographic materials in unexpected ways. I had the privilege of handling many of Cameron’s writings and photographic work during my research and even visited her studio on the Isle of Wight in the UK, and this firsthand experience was incredibly inspirational. In my own art practice, Cameron’s persistence, commitment to professionalism, and unwavering belief in her own vision have been a source of encouragement.
Favorite time of day to paint?
I’m often compelled to paint within pockets of time that I find throughout the day (or night) because I need to work around the needs of my kids and other household responsibilities. If I have the choice, however, I prefer to paint in the early afternoon. My guestroom studio faces south and is filled with the most beautiful, diffused light at this time of day. Shadows from the abundant trees outside our house filter through the windows as the afternoon deepens, but in the midday hours the studio is brightly-lit, warm, and perfect. Retreating to this space is refreshing, and I enjoy working quietly here while my toddler naps before the after-school chaos commences.
Do you have a go-to painting uniform?
When I paint with acrylics, I’ve learned that I need to wear an apron because I have a bad habit of absentmindedly touching my clothing with paint-smeared hands. No matter what I do, I always manage to cover my fingers with paint! I ruined one of my favorite shirts with an accidental paint splatter once, and now I’m diligent about always wearing an apron when using acrylics.
Favorite book about art or creativity?
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear has been immensely helpful in grounding my thinking about my art practice. Gilbert’s practical advice for maintaining creativity over time and her no-nonsense approach to addressing the various barriers that may arise have shaped the way that I structure my time and my mindset.
Do you have a secret talent or hobby besides painting?
I have lots of hobbies! I’m a fairly serious distance runner, and I usually run between 30-40 miles a week while training for various races (my favorite distance is the half marathon). Running in the morning before my family wakes up fills me with a sense of calm and prepares me for the day. With my professional background in literature, reading has always been a constant in my life, and I usually complete 120-140 books a year. Psychological thrillers comprise my favorite fictional genre, but I also enjoy classics, current non-fiction, and literary fiction. My favorite creative hobby besides painting is hand embroidery. The precision and regular motions of stitching are immensely satisfying. Embroidery is a naturally slow art, and engaging in it has taught me to enjoy the process as much as the product. And finally, I greatly enjoy baking. Creating sweet treats for my family or to give as gifts is therapeutic, and I look forward to the holiday season every year because it gives me an excuse to bake to my heart’s content!
Last TV show you binged?
I realize that I’m late to this party, but I recently watched True Detective Season 1 with my husband and was blown away by how good it is. Every episode is both a self-contained mini-piece and an essential building block that creates the story of the whole season. I can’t stop thinking about different elements of the show, and I’ve been mulling over some concepts in it as a potential basis for a collection.
Favorite vacation spot?
My husband’s mother owns a beach house rental in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and spending a week there, usually with extended family, is an annual summer tradition. I have grown to love this spot over the years. The house is located right on the beach, and we have sweeping views of the ocean from the third floor balcony and the pool deck. I relish seeing all of the ocean’s moods: turquoise foam sparkling in the midday sun, soft pink and lavender early evening waters, and occasional drama from stormy seas and skies. We spend our days at the beach, our afternoons at the pool, and our evenings eating big family dinners surrounded by laughter and hordes of happy children fueled by sunshine and ice cream. It feels like a salt-scented glimpse of paradise!