My work is characterized by a rejection of preconceived notions about what art is or should be. I do not limit myself to any single medium, style, or technique. The consistency in my process is using forms and materials in unconventional ways, pushing the boundaries of their intended purposes. Through this approach, I challenge convention and bias while celebrating the beauty in the unexpected.
Motivated by a lifelong passion for creativity and innovation, I draw inspiration from my diverse experiences in the technology sector and my journey as an artist. Each piece I create begins with an exploration of a concept or an experimentation with a new medium or technology. In both cases, I try to remain open to new and unexpected ways to explore the concept or use the medium. This process of experimentation allows me to discover unique textures, forms, combinations, and interactions, resulting in works that invite viewers to see the familiar in a new light.
One of my signature techniques involves layering, smearing, and mixing images as if they were paint, which allows me to explore the interconnectedness and possibilities within my subjects. Additionally, I have used circuit-bent digital cameras to produce super-saturated, hyper-pop colored photos with crunchy, pixelated textures that I then play with in post-processing. These methods reflect my desire to break from convention and embrace the unexpected. My creative process is further enriched by the use of Artificial Intelligence tools in unexpected ways to explore their biases and the parallels to human vulnerabilities.
My approach is heavily influenced by the post-punk and new wave era of the 1980s, a time characterized by breaking from tradition and exploring the intersections of the digital and analog realms. This influence is evident in my work, as I find beauty in unconventional, unexpected, and imperfect ways. This perspective is particularly relevant in today's hyper-curated, beauty-filtered, influencer-laden world. I strive to offer alternatives.
A notable example of my approach is a piece exhibited at the immersive Lume Studio in NYC titled Raise Everyone Up. For this piece I utilized AI generated photography, traditional color blocking, and the rule of thirds as the basis for an immersive experience. By shuffling bit planes, smearing the image, and breaking the rule, I created a series of over 40 images. I then sequenced the stills and animated them, giving the illusion of a hand wrapped in tree roots lifting a group of people up in a moment of collective transcendence. By blending traditional art forms with cutting-edge technology, I aim to engage audiences in a dialogue about the evolving yet ever-present nature of creativity.
Animation plays a significant role in my practice, as I animate much of my work to create video and GIF art, sometimes as extended reality for physical pieces. By rolling multiple processes into one, I transform every screen into a frame for art and exploration. This integration of motion and extended reality adds another layer to my art, inviting viewers to engage with it in dynamic and immersive ways.
Through my art, I strive to convey messages of resilience and transformation. I believe that art has the power to connect us with ourselves, each other, and the mysteries of life. Through my art, I hopes to inspire others to see beauty and interconnectedness in unexpected places, and to embrace the transformative power of creativity in their own lives.
As a transdisciplinary artist, my creative process is inherently fluid and intersectional, often blurring the lines between different disciplines. This approach allows me to explore new possibilities and take risks, resulting in a dynamic and ever-evolving body of work.
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Artist Statement
About the Artist
Heather Timm is an internationally exhibited transdisciplinary artist based in Seattle. A lifelong artist, Heather took a two-decade hiatus to raise and support her family by working in the technology sector. Since returning to her art practice, she has achieved significant milestones, with her work showcased in galleries and events across five continents. Heather's art has yet to be exhibited in Africa, Antarctica, or space, which remain on her aspirational list.
In 2024, Heather was selected by the United Nations to be showcased at The Summit of the Future and to have her art support the UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign. She is a HUG 100 Photographers to Watch, a prestigious list spotlighting exceptional photographers shaping the future of art and creativity. The list was curated by National Geographic award-winning photographers John Knopf and Michael Yamashita. She was also chosen by Accelerate Art to join their 8th Cohort of Emerging Artists, highlighting artists using blockchain technology, with a showcase in Paris.
Heather's work has been featured at the immersive Lume Studio in New York City, curated by glitch artist Dawnia Darkstone and hosted by Palm Foundation. She has spoken on the intersection of AI and the creative process at various venues, including NYU, Internet Archives, Chamber of Progress, and Creative Commons. Her recognition includes being selected from an open call by NFT Now as a Next Up Artist at Art Basel Miami 2023.
Her exhibitions span globally, with notable showcases in Paris, New York, Chicago, Miami, Seattle, Prague, Budapest, Bali, Melbourne, Lisbon, Seoul, Barcelona, Taipei City, Groningen, São Paulo, and Zagreb. She has exhibited at esteemed institutions and galleries such as the University of Chicago's Media Arts Data & Design (MADD) Center, Grand Palais Éphémère (Paris), IHAM Gallery (Paris), OSHI Gallery (Melbourne), Crypt Gallery (New York), Lume Studio (New York), <imnotArt> (Chicago), Pavilion Carlos Lopes (Lisbon), Weple Gallery (Seoul), MaMa Multimedia Institute (Zagreb), AMPERSAND Studio (Miami), SLS South Beach (Miami), Faena Forum (Miami), and CASA NUA (São Paulo).