Heather Kirtland is an artist, author, speaker, and creative instigator.

She received her BFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Heather currently teaches encaustic workshops and is focused on her studio practice. She enjoys working with private clients as well as designers to create the perfect piece for a space. She loves to work with other creatives to inspire them in their artistic journeys.

When she is not painting she loves to read, run and encourage other mothers to find a creative outlet through a project she co-founded with Marissa Huber; Carve Out Time for Art. Their book, The Motherhood of Art was published in 2020.

Heather lives just outside of Baltimore with her husband, two children, and their dog.

You can find my CV here.

artist statement

My work is a reflection of our state of being. It responds to our need to be seen. Through abstract compositions, I create visual representations of our universal human emotions. Using brushstrokes, drawn lines, layers of paint, and recognizable forms to represent us. I show how outside forces surround our inner selves, and through paint convey these emotions. I use encaustic, oil, and acrylic paints to build layers. I incorporate marks with oil pastels, charcoal, spray paint and marker that can relay an immediacy and intensity. My paintings give you room and a place to expresses what you cannot in words. In my own experience I can find that it is a struggle to take up space and to be valued when I show up as myself. I create a connection to this collective experience that is at once unique to you and universal to us.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Co-Author THE MOTHERHOOD OF ART, 2020 Schiffer Publishing, Presenter at ALT SUMMIT 2020, I am a partner at CARVE OUT TIME FOR ART.  I was a WEST ELM LOCAL ARTIST 2017-2020.  My work has been featured in the book ARTIST OF SOCIAL MEDIA, and magazines COUNTRY LIVING MODERN RUSTIC December 2017, 25 BEAUTIFUL HOMES December 2017 & COUNTRY LIVING UK January 2018

INTERVIEWS/FEATURES

I LIKE YOUR WORK podcast Carve Out Time For Art-Motherhood, Making Time & Embracing Efficiency, January 3, 2020

EVERYDAY CREATIVE PEOPLE , podcast April 2019, HOW SHE CREATES podcast December 5, 2017,  KRISTIN SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY blog March 2017, CYL blog March 2017, ART BUSINESS ESSENTIALS Alexis Castillo March 2017, "Who do I think I am?" RISING TIDE SOCIETY blog, "Makers to know" Bianca Bello, "Carve Out Time for Art, Mother Artist Interview" Marissa Huber

Follow me on Instagram for the latest on what's happening in my studio.