Susan Heggestad
Susan M Heggestad received her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking from the University of South Dakota, and her Masters of Fine Arts degree, with an emphasis in Printmaking, from SUNY at Buffalo. She creates mixed-media works on paper utilizing collograph, monotype, screenprinting, and relief processes, as well as larger works in sculpture and installation. Her work has been showcased at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences in Sioux Falls, the Haydon Art Center in Lincoln, Neb., North Dakota State University in Fargo, as well as numerous other venues. In addition, she is the recipient of several awards, including a South Dakota Arts Council Artist Grant in 2007 and 2011, and is currently on the Artists in Communities and Schools roster for the South Dakota Arts Council. She is director of the Messy Hands Summer Art Camp for children hosted by the Vermillion Area Arts Council. Susan was recently the Interim Professor of Art History at the University of South Dakota, in Vermillion. Susan lives with her large family in Vermillion, where she maintains a private studio.
Artist Statement
In my own work, I am drawn to printmaking, installation, and found-object sculpture. The connection between these media, for me, is a keen interest in texture and tactility, layering, and transparency. These elements help reference our physical experience of the world, and conjure up ideas of what it means to exist as a “being” in the world – how we come to experience, both physically and mentally, just who it is we think we are…
In the classroom, I am interested in using the arts to help promote individual development and identity. Visual art can enable students to explore the ways that family, religion, gender, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, and other cultural influences help shape their sense of self. Using various contemporary and historical examples, students can also learn to examine the interactions of ethnic, national, or cultural influences in specific situations or events. Students can work independently or cooperatively in groups to explore these topics in art, and to accomplish certain creative goals.
Many artists tell stories, whether they be autobiographical, fictional, or fantastical. Artists do this through drawing, painting, sculpting, but also through installation, architecture, performance, etc. These stories are inspired by the world around them and the “stories” they’ve been told about the world they live in, and who they are. Further, art reflects what is going on in society and enables students to have some influence over their environment – it is a process of communication and discovery. It can have a significant educational impact by encouraging communication and conversation about issues that are important to students.
Susan M Heggestad
EDUCATION
M.F.A., Printmaking, University at Buffalo (S.U.N.Y.), Buffalo, NY. May 2002.
B.F.A., Printmaking, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD. December 1999.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS (selected)
2011 “Untitled”, Gallery 110, University of South Dakota, Vermillion. October.
“Repositioning: Mixed-media Prints and Sculpture”, Walker Art Gallery,
Department of Art, University of Nebraska, Kearney. August.
2010 “Variations on a Theme: Recent Print and Sculptural Work by Susan
Heggestad”, GAR Gallery, Yankton, SD. April.
“Susan Heggestad: Variations on a Theme”, Reineke Visual Arts Gallery, North
Dakota State University, Fargo, ND. January.
2009 “Variations on a Theme: Recent Print Work by Susan Heggestad”, Washington
Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD. Sept-Nov.
2008 “Variations on a Theme: Recent Prints”, CSG, Vermillion, SD. Oct-Dec.
2005 “Recent Work”, CSG, Vermillion, SD. August.
2004 “Recent Work”, Calvaneso’s, Amherst, NY. May.
2003 "Untitled", COS Gallery, Visalia, CA. November.
