Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Valcik.
Heather, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I actually did not even know I was an artist until I went back to school for my Master’s degree after having kids. I originally wanted to be a Literature professor, but then I took an art class as my elective and dropped literature like a bad habit. In school only of course… I’m still a nerdy bookworm. In the beginning of my MFA program, I had a ton of ideas but zero technical proficiency. My first videos were laughably created on PowerPoint and iMovie because they were the only pieces of software I was familiar with at the time. I had to spend a lot of time outside the classroom teaching myself since I was already so far behind. Luckily, I managed to catch up and the rest is history. The support and wisdom I received from my professors and classmates at UTD was phenomenal and I am forever grateful.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a conceptual artist and I must admit my process is not terribly sophisticated. Essentially, I come up with a bizarre idea then figure out how to execute said bizarre idea and put it in a format to share with others. I’ll typically spend two to six months on each project, doing research, gathering data and visual materials, then transform those items into a final piece or installation. The reason I create art is an attempt to either spark a conversation that needs to be explored or simply help people to see things or think differently than they would normally. I would rather ten people leave my work talking about how much they despise it and why, then to have ten people leave having never felt or thought about it again. I consider art to be successful if it makes you think.
And then there’s Instagram… my fun platform for trying out ideas and experimenting with projects I’m working on. I basically use it as inspiration to create something little every single day if possible.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
Absolutely the role of the artist has changed in our current landscape. Thanks to smartphones and apps, the general population is able to channel their inner artist and upload it to the world if they so choose. Which I think is brilliant. The more beauty, in all its forms, we as a collective society can bring to this rather harsh world, the better. I think it also challenges those of us who choose to make art our profession to work even harder… and I don’t view that as a bad thing. The world is full of creatives and it is creative thinking that will change this planet for the better someday.
Events near and far certainly impact my artistic practice; however, I hope the work reflects my feelings on cultural issues subtly. I really try not to be overly didactic with my art. I much prefer for the viewer’s own personal experiences and individual perspective to help them interpret the piece in a manner unique to them.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
At the moment, Instagram is the only place people can go to see my work. This past Saturday, I just wrapped up the last show I have on the books. I’m hopeful to be in a few more shows this year, but I will definitely post about it on my Instagram page if anything comes to fruition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hcharlet.wixsite.com/heathervalcik
- Phone: 469.233.6654
- Email: hcharlet@gmail.com
- Instagram: hvalcikart
- Facebook: Hvalcikart
Image Credit:
All images are mine.
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