ARTIST STATEMENT

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Humans are inherently interested in observing others to understand themselves. Heidi's work, inspired by such curiosity, invites viewer participation and explores personage through self-presentation, facial expressions, and gesture. It often highlights the under-revered, honoring the subject’s dignity and presence.

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The assertive aesthetic eliminates natural skin color, symbolizing a hope for racial and social equality. The work celebrates humanity as a whole, not just specific groups. Using and combining color and pattern comes naturally, evoking nearly synesthetic reactions.

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Experimentation with textures and recycled materials, like bubble mailers and paper bags, adds an environmentally friendly aspect. There is also exploration beyond traditional shapes and incorporating 3D elements, enhancing the mixed media approach.

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Ultimately, Brueckner's work encourages empathy, social justice, and respect for the earth, aiming to inspire appreciation and love among people.

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BIO

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Heidi Brueckner is a Professor of Art at West Valley College in Saratoga, California where she has taught painting, drawing, and design for over 20 years.

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A native Californian, Brueckner studied at the University of Heidelberg and The Goethe Institute in Germany in the late 1980s. During this pivotal year, she was able to visit the major museums of Europe and found herself heavily influenced artistically by 20th century German art. 

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Brueckner received a BA in Fine Art and a BA in Art History from University of California, Santa Cruz in 1991. She received an MFA in Painting from University of Kansas in 1997.

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Professor Brueckner’s work has been shown at museums, galleries, colleges, and in publications nationally and internationally. She has received several awards and scholarships for her work.

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In 2018, she published the book Monsterbet a series of 26 oil, acrylic, and mixed media paintings based on the format of children’s alphabet rhymes. The book is available for purchase at Etsy, Amazon, and at her website heidibrueckner.com.

 

Most recently, she was awarded 1st Place in the international Italian art competition, Prisma Art Prize. Recent solo exhibitions were held at at GearBox Gallery in Oakland, California in 2021, and at Buckham Gallery in Flint, Michigan in 2022.

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She currently lives and makes art in Oakland, California.