Inquiry: Five Painting Practices

Heidi Leitzke

Heidi Leitzke

STATEMENT

I am exploring how nature operates as a source in my search for the life of a painting. Tumbling masses of verdant vines, lushly seeded pomegranates and underwater leafy sea dragons are some of the sources I am drawing from. I am not attempting to copy nature by rendering an exact likeness; rather, I am working from perception and invention in pursuit of dynamic color, coiling spaces and organic relationships. My endeavor is to engender the spirit of these natural forms in paint as metaphor of the complexity and sensuality in life. It is in my search between natural source and realized form that the life of the painting emerges.

EDUCATION

2004 - 2006 M.F.A. Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
1998 - 2002 B.A. Studio Fine Arts, with Honors, Anderson University, Anderson, IN
2001 & 2002 Chautauqua School of Art, Chautauqa, NY
2000American University Art In Italy, Corciano, Italy

EXHIBITIONS

2008 Inquiry: Five Painting Practices, Gross McCleaf Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2007 Solo Exhibition, Paintings and Drawings, Isadore Gallery * - Lancaster, PA
A Year, Parlor Gallery, Lancaster,PA
Roots & Fiction, Penn State Harrisburg, PA
Young Talent, Washington Art Association, Washington Dept, CT
2006 Bowery Gallery Juried Show, Juror: Lois Dodd, New York City, NY
Madison National Annual Juried Show, Juror: George Adams, Madison, GA
Solo Exhibition, MFA Thesis Exhibition * - Fine Art Museum, Cullowhee, NC
Two Painters – Heidi Leitzke & Jay Noble - Millstone Gallery, Fincastle, VA
Botanical: Images Inspired by Plants - Upstairs Artspace, Tryon, NC
2005 All Together Now - Wedge Gallery, Asheville, NC
1 Drawing 1 Painting - Wilson Galleries, Anderson, IN
Paper Trail - Captain’s Bookshelf, Asheville, NC
Flux - Millersville University, Millersville, PA
2004 Twelve - Wedge Gallery, Asheville, NC
Drawing From Perception V, Juror: Charles Cajori,
Wright State University Galleries, Dayton, OH,
Resolutions - Market Gallery, Roanoke, VA
2003 Small Works - Market Gallery, Roanoke, VA
2002 Solo Exhibition, JanFrey Gallery *, Sheboygan, WI
Logan Gallery, Chautauqua, NY
Exposure - Wilson Galleries, Anderson, IN
2001 Art in Italy - Wilson Galleries, Anderson, IN

AWARDS and HONORS

2005-2006Graduate Teaching Assistant, Western Carolina University
2001 & 2002 Full Scholarship Chautauqua School of Art
2000 Bengsten Art Award (merit scholarship)
1998 Ruth DeYoung Kohler Art Award, Kohler Foundation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2006 - present Gallery Director, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Lancaster, PA
2007 - present Adjunct Instructor, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design, Lancaster, PA
2006-2007 Drawing Instructor, Drawing, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
2005-2006 Drawing Instructor, Western Carolina University, NC
2004-2006 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Western Carolina University, NC
2005-2006 Visiting Artist Committee Member, Western Carolina University, NC
2005Gallery Committee Member, Haywood County Arts Council, NC
2003-2004 Member of the Market Gallery, Roanoke, VA
1999-2002 Gallery Assistant for the Anderson University Art Galleries, IN
1998-2000 Summer Intern, Arts/Industry program of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Kohler Co., Kohler, WI

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES

2005 Art and cultural tour of Japan, including temples, shrines, and ancient sculptures in Tokyo, Hiroshima and more.
2000 Study in Corciano, Italy including trips to Venice, Ravenna, Rome, Florence, Assisi, San Sepolcro, Naples, Sicily and more.
2000 Paris, self-guided art and cultural tour
1999 Work Trip to Saltillo, Mexico
1997 Work Trip to Quito, Equador