source: katyheinlein
I create simple and theatrical structures that generate interplay between the effect of gravity, tension and movement, using cloth and other readily available building materials. Cloth is a compelling material to me because of its capability to be strong, supple and fluid.I use fabric because of these physical properties, but also because of its optical qualities—its opacity and color. In one way, I think of my work being like a physical painting or drawing. Straight lines are rendered in space with tension and weight on a colored strap. Brushlike gestures are evidenced through large gathered and wrinkled swaths. Each piece is structured as choreography between material and gravity, built to perform in its own particular way, but an element of randomness is always at play. Cloth has the ability to be both vague and suggestive, because it can really only partially conceal what it is covering. Just a few materials—a couple of 2 x 4’s, a strap, and a curtain of fabric, depending on how they are positioned, can convey vulgarity, elegance or solemnity. My work is about mystery and obscurity—what is not fully seen, and transparency—what is physically obvious.
Born 1973 in Baytown, Texas
Currently lives and works in Houston, Texas
Represented by CTRL Gallery, Houston, Texas.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
source: designboom
katy heinlein is an american artist based in houston, texas. heinlein’s work is composed of sculptures made using fabric and textiles which are draped, suspended and stretched in unusual way to create form. large panels of fabric are stretched over supports and tied with ribbons referencing the lines of clothing. heinlein’s pieces revolve around form but the lightness of the textiles gives her work an element of movement.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
source: max-fieldssquarespace
Katy Heinlein was born in Baytown, Texas in 1973. In 1995, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. She went on to pursue a Master’s of Fine Arts degree emphasizing Sculpture in 1996 from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. While a graduate student, Ms. Heinlein traveled to Shigaraki, Japan to be an artist in residence in the summer of 1998 at The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. After receiving her Master’s in Sculpture and ceramics from TTU in 1999, Ms. Heinlein became an intern at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas. After completing her internship, Katy moved to Houston, Texas, where she still lives and works today.
In the time that Ms. Heinlein has lived in Houston, she has received several awards, participated in residency programs, and been in several notable group and solo exhibitions. In the year 2000, Ms. Heinlein was selected to participate in an international juried competition, Women in the Visual Arts, which was held at the Erector Square Gallery in New Haven Connecticut and juried by Guggenheim Deputy Director Lisa Dennison. Katy was one of three to receive a juror’s award. In 2001, Katy had a solo exhibition at Lawndale Art Center in the main gallery. That year, she was also chosen to participate in New American Talent at the Texas Fine Arts Association in Austin, Texas.