Bio & Statement
Artist Statement
Art moves people in different ways. There may not be a common thread besides our shared humanity, but for me, that is the most exhilarating part of being a painter - that we each see art through our own eyes and individual life journeys. My paintings are shaped by my experiences. Through my heart, my mind, my eyes, and my hands, these experiences are expressed onto the canvas. I paint to heal myself, to convey my own energy and emotions. My hope is that this transformative process resonates within others, igniting their own healing and emotional exploration.
My paintings are bold, colorful, and flowing - using line, shape, and edges to emphasize movement - drawing the viewer in and enticing the senses. I work primarily with acrylics and oils, often texturing my paintings with many layers, using any art tool I can buy or create myself. I add additional texture and layers using charcoal, oil pastels, and acrylic markers to evoke depth, excitement, and variety. In this artistic expression, I find a fuller reflection of my multi-faceted life.
Bio
Kathleen Heitmann is a self-taught artist who discovered her true passion later in life, driven by a yearning that was answered through heartfelt prayers.
The pivotal moment came when she witnessed her favorite actor, Meryl Streep, echo the empowering words of Carrie Fisher: "Take your broken heart and turn it into art." This resonated deep within Kathleen's soul, leading her to venture to the nearest art supply store the very next morning, embarking on an extraordinary journey into the realm of painting.
In her studio, Kathleen embraces the unknown, allowing her heart to remain open, her hands unrestricted, and her mind unburdened. This liberation grants her the freedom to forge a profound connection with the vibrant colors, textures, and expressive marks that adorn her canvas. Acrylics and oils stand as her preferred mediums, and she fearlessly incorporates textured mediums, spray paints, inks, oil pastels, and charcoal.
Originally launching her career in Boulder, CO, Kathleen eventually returned to her roots in the Chicago suburbs to continue her artistic dream. Her work has been featured in various galleries in Boulder and the Chicago area. Kathleen also finds immense joy in creating commissioned pieces, relishing the opportunity to collaborate with her clients and bring their visions to life.
Wrap Up of 2023
Exhibitions
Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) Member Exhibition
CAVA Inspired Stories Juried Exhibition, Dwell Gallery (Chicago)
CAVA Happiness Juried Exhibition, Bridgeport Art -Center (Chicago) -- Honorable Mention Award
The Art Center of Highland Park InView Member Exhibition
Oak Park Art Center Semi-Annual Juried Exhibition
Oak Park Art Center Eyes Wide Open Juried Exhibition
North Shore Art League -Member Exhibition
Robert T. Wright Gallery - College of Lake County Recent Works Juried Exhibition (Grayslake IL)
Norris Cultural Arts Center Juried Vicinity Exhibition (St Charles IL)
Featured Artist / Solo Exhibitions
Evanston Made Members Show, Tremaine Art (Evanston IL)
Central Station Gallery (Wilmette IL)
North Shore Plant Perfect Design (Winnetka IL)
Music Conservatory of Illinois Art Gallery (Evanston IL)
Winnetka Art Attack!!
‘the gallery’ (Skokie IL)
Distinctions
Podcast Guest | Sergio Gomez: From Empty Nest to Thriving Artist
Honorable Mention CAVA Happiness Show
Blue Moon Gallery, Grayslake, IL, Collective Artist
8 Collections including:
Chasing Chroma, Chromatic Elixirs, Chromatic Rhapsody, The Quest to Happiness, A Brushstroke’s Journey, Celestial Dream Dance, When Hues Whisper, Soulful Spectrum