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Artist Statement

My work blends figurative and abstract elements, depicting landscapes, animals, and human figures through a variety of mediums. By layering textures, tones, and colors, I create depth and movement, capturing both the stillness of a scenery or the expressive energy of an abstract figure. Through the use of expressive interpretation and abstraction, my work encourages viewers to consider or reconsider their perceptions of the familiar. My works offer the opportunity to think about the possibility of other perspectives. Through my intentful composition, form, and mark-making, each piece reflects my technical process and my intuitive decision-making, allowing for a dynamic and evolving creative experience.

 

I create art to bring life to the ideas and emotions that exist in my mind, translating them into visual forms that encourage deeper reflection. My work emphasizes the unseen layers of the world, both in the natural world and society. The details, emotions, and hidden stories that emerge when we take the time to truly look is where i think the "magic" happens.  My work is ultimately driven by a personal desire to create without any rigid boundaries. Whether referencing my memory of dreams, nature, or life itself, my art explores both the external world and the imagination within it. Through this, I aim to evoke wonder in my viewers, encouraging them to look beyond the surface.

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EDUCATION

2022 – Current Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA Concentration: Drawing

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EXHIBITIONS

2023 Drawing Studio Exhibition, Juror: Annette Rusin,

Sheridan Studio Gallery, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 2024

Painting Studio Exhibition, Juror: Mark Mahosky, Ramp Gallery, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2016-2017 Installation Assistant, Gallery Above Penn Square, Reading, PA

2023 - Current Instructor, Sip and Paint, The Village Venue Gallery, Scott Township, PA

Biography

Olivia Heist-Stanish is been deeply inspired to create visual art through how she sees the natural world. Both humankind and nature influence her fascination which continues to shape her artistic journey. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Kutztown University, she blends figurative and abstract techniques to create works that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the layered narratives within. Her practice is marked by a thoughtful exploration of color, mixed media, and spatial composition.

 

Through participation in various exhibitions, she has refined both her technical skills and conceptual depth, consistently pushing the boundaries of her creative expression. A pivotal experience as an Installation Assistant at Gallery Above Penn Square offered her valuable insights into the curatorial process and the dynamics of engaging diverse audiences. This hands-on involvement in the art community has reinforced her commitment to creating works that resonate on multiple levels and foster meaningful connections.

Contact

 Let's connect.

phone: 610-858-4862

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