LandEscape Art Review // Special Issue | Page 144

Land scape
Heidi Thompson
CONTEMPORARY ART REVIEW
they see the mystery which is in them . Maybe they experience something subliminal and profound . Sensing mystery might be the closest we come to experiencing God .
Over your long career your works have been showcased in several occasions , including your recent show at the Kelowna International Airport . One of the hallmarks of your work is the capability to create a direct involvement with the viewers , who are urged to evolve from a condition of mere spectatorship . So before leaving this conversation we would like to pose a question about the nature of the relationship of your art with your audience . Do you consider the issue of audience reception as being a crucial component of your decisionmaking process , in terms of what type of language is used in a particular context ?
When I was younger , I rarely considered the viewer ’ s opinion of my art . I felt that art should not be made for anyone but me . Art was spiritual , and not for sale . My teachers urged me to paint my truth , no matter how desperate , chaotic or aggressive it was . For years , my work was dark . That is until1989 , the year I gave birth to my daughter . After this marvelous day , everything changed . I was a mother with a new life to take care of . I no longer wanted to express “ angst ” or be selfabsorbed . I wanted our daughter to grow up in a positive environment full of sunshine , humor and optimism . The moment I changed my attitude was the moment I became a pure abstractionist .
Since that day , my goal is to create beauty . It ’ s not easy , but it ’ s what I want . To accomplish this lofty dream , I have no choice but to cultivate harmony within . The real work lies in personal growth , becoming more conscious and establishing inner peace through meditation . Every person or artist has a choice to be a light . We can use our gift to create a beautiful world .
Thanks a lot for your time and for sharing your thoughts , Heidi . Finally , would you like to tell us readers something about your future projects ? How do you see your work evolving ?
My future project is to develop myself . Go deeper , grow more aware and live life with equanimity . Life is full of ups and down . I have to fight against doubt and depression . I have to stay strong despite crazy world affairs . I have to find reasons not to give up or lose purpose . I will keep struggling and perhaps , as I develop , my paintings will . I continue my journey . Each painting marks an important milestone along the way . Mark Rothko sums up my artistic quest . “ I do not believe that there was ever a question of being abstract or representational . It is really a matter of ending this silence and solitude , of breathing , and stretching one ' s arms again transcendental experiences became possible .”
Representing Heidi Thompson Galerie Halde http :// www . haldegalerie . ch ( Switzerland ) Alexander Salazar Fine Art http :// alexandersalazarfineart . com ( San Diego ) Onessimo Fine Art http :// www . onessimofineart . com ( Palm Beach Gardens ) ARTe Funktional http :// www . factorykelowna . com / arte-funktional ( Kelowna )
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