Claus Heinecke - Artist Statement

I look at the common in an uncommon manner, constructing images to precepts of my own while exploring rhythms of line, shape, and color.

Coming from a graphic art background, the elements and principles of design are ever present in my approach. Over a long career I have evolved from the discipline of commercial art to the relative freedom of fine art. A further transition from painting to sculpture is made challenging by the addition of the sense of touch to the creative process. Working in the round entails images of infinite variety as light and point of view change them. For me the object as image is a material embodiment of ethereal imaginings channeled by the higher self. There is magic in the empty void taking on a tangible presence The act of making sculpture provides a beautiful sort of balance, as I must see with the heart to envision and build with the head for structural integrity.

I am an honors graduate from the Ontario College of Art and have since taught there. My accomplishments include thirteen years as Director of Design for Seagram Canada, four years of running my own design studio, and ten years as Creative Director for The Watt Group. I have accompanied National Geographic on an expedition to the high artic as Camp Artist. My art has been shown in numerous venues and sold into many private and corporate collections.