Heather Sundquist Hall
Oh my darling, 2019, gouache on paper 22 x 28”
Describe your artistic style in three words.
Microscopic, memories, heartfelt
What's inspiring you right now?
Right now, I am inspired by nature and how it's taking over so much of all our shared spaces. I'm inspired by the birds seizing the day and pressing onward, showing their babies how to fly and keep moving. I'm inspired by all the children that are resiliently adapting to this weird time and learning how to pause to notice those little things and question.
What do you do when you're feeling uninspired?
When I am feeling uninspired, I take a walk outside. I try to move through the motions and get my head out of the rut. Sometimes, I'll do some jumping jacks, sometimes I'll walk to the mailbox and on occasion, I've been known to scream into a pillow or two. Afterwards, I'm usually able to pin point where the bee is in my bonnet and I'm more equipped to sort it all out.
Tell us something unique about your process.
My paintings focus a lot on details that are very small. I spend a lot of time sitting about 6-10 inches away from my paper using brushes with between 10 - 15 hairs attached, trying to hone in on the important aspects of objects. I don't use a magnifying glass to paint my tiny things... but have one in the wings for when my eyes start to give me trouble.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Don't give up on your creativity. If you aren't able to be someone who makes things full time, or who hasn't found their individual voice yet, don't let that stop you. There is something really valuable and rewarding that is released when making things- it creates a drive that is eternal and it isn't limited to one medium. If you aren't able to be in the studio working on your craft full time, let your talents and explorations out in other avenues of your life.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you, Big Medium for sharing artists in your community! We are all in this together, and I couldn't be more grateful for you! <3
Watertower Paper, 2019, gouache on paper, 9 x 12”
Smothered and covered, 2019, gouache on paper, 9 x 6”
Tumble Truck, 2019, gouache on paper, 10 x 8”
Shoot the moon, 2019, gouache on paper, 8 x 6”
Use the Force, 2019, gouache on paper, 12 x 9”
Palmistry Path, 2019, gouache on paper, 12 x 9”
Where to friend ?, 2019, gouache on paper, 10 x 10”
Onward, 2019, gouache on paper, 10 x 6”
Heather's work is influenced by narratives and nostalgia. Much of her focus is on the details. It’s the floral pattern on a couch that she loves to explore. Heather's hope is to create a connection with the viewer, to help them recall their own narratives or personal narratives.