Hancock Solar Gallery is thrilled to be opening a new exhibition, Perspective: Kristin Fuller & Heather Kirtland, two maryland-based painters whose works range from mixed media paintings to photographic based collages. Join us for the Opening Reception of this dynamic two women exhibition on January 20th from 6-9pm. The exhibition features a combination of collage & mixed media paintings by these talented artists. We are thrilled to be showcasing their complex and engaging abstract works in the gallery from January 20 – March 16, 2024. The Hancock Solar Gallery is located inside Station North’s Nelson Kohl Apartment building on the ground floor. Gallery is open Wednesday – Friday 2–6pm, and 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 1–4pm & by appt.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Kristin Fuller is a painter, printmaker, and mixed media artist based in Baltimore, MD. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from Kutztown University, PA. As an undiagnosed Dyslexic, she struggled academically but excelled as a creative thinker and analytical person. Kristin believes that her language-based disability allows her to experience life in a uniquely visual way. She expresses this nonverbal communication with her abstract artwork through her understanding and appreciation of color and her sensitivity to mark making. Her work over the years has primarily been painting but recently has shifted to printmaking and collage. In 2023 her artwork was selected for both the 34th National Drawing and Print Competitive Exhibition at the Gormley Gallery Notre Dame of Maryland University and the MSAC Arts Directory Triennial Exhibition at Maryland Art Place. Kristin has participated in numerous art shows in the Baltimore area including two solo exhibitions that spotlighted her large-scale oil paintings and mixed media works on paper.
“I see the world …in snippets and bits…snapshots…
Shadows catch my eye. Patterns are everywhere. My brain sees the world in compositions. In
my mind’s eye, I crop and manipulate what I see. This body of work was inspired by my love of science, nature, architecture, and color. The photos used in this series are original and were manipulated after they were printed. No filters were used. These pieces are made with traditional collage techniques of cutting and pasting.” – Kristin Fuller
Kristin works with concepts such as time and balance as she examines the relationships that form by layering materials and images. Her artistic expression tends to take an autobiographical view and invites all to see what she sees and feel what she feels. In these collage based works, the layering of materials represents time, a journey, destruction, and creation.
Heather Kirtland is an artist, author, speaker, and creative instigator. She received her BFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Heather currently teaches encaustic workshops and is focused on her studio practice. She enjoys working with private clients as well as designers to create the perfect piece for a space. She loves to work with other creatives to inspire them in their artistic journeys. When she is not painting she loves to read, run and encourage other mothers to find a creative outlet through a project she co-founded with Marissa Huber; Carve Out Time for Art. Their book, The Motherhood of Art brings attention to mothers and their creative practice. Heather lives just outside of Baltimore with her husband, two children, and their dog.
“My work is a reflection of our state of being. It responds to our need to be seen. Through abstract compositions, I create visual representations of our universal human emotions. Using brushstrokes, drawn lines, layers of paint, and recognizable forms to represent us. I show how outside forces surround our inner selves, and through paint convey these emotions. I use encaustic, oil, and acrylic paints to build layers. I incorporate marks with oil pastels, spray paint and marker that can relay an immediacy and intensity. My paintings give you room and a place to express what you cannot in words. In my own experience, I can find that it is a struggle to take up space and to be valued when I show up as myself. I create a connection to this collective experience that is at once unique to you and universal to us.” – Heather Kirtland
The Hancock Solar Gallery is directed by Jordan Faye Block, for more information regarding this exhibition, please reach out to her at hancocksolar.gallery.nk@gmail.
