Heather Hansen began experimenting in 2012 and she came with the perfect idea for her upcoming project during a trip at the beach with her son. It was there she noticed the patterns, lines and shapes left in the sand after dancing. The “Emptied Gesture” was born. She has a wonderful, meditative video of herself performing her “emptied gestures” on the beach on YouTube here.
As the artist describes it: “Emptied Gestures is an experiment in kinetic drawing. In this series, I am searching for ways to download my movement directly onto paper, emptying gestures from one form to another and creating something new in the process.”
One of the methods Hansen uses when she teaches, is to encourage her students to draw with both hands at once. This method is often used by teachers and artists to engage both sides of the brain. It is a difficult technique to teach, and Hansen accomplishes it by having the students mirror a partner.
“They were concentrating on the other and therefore able to do it. The result was so beautiful to watch and I wanted to develop it further.”
Heather Hansen creates beautiful and intuitive pieces in front of live audiences, in real time. The following photos are taken from a live performance at Ochi Gallery in Los Angeles in 2013. This is a link to Heather’s YouTube video of her live performance.
photo credits: Spencer Hansen, Justin Sullivan and Bryan Tarnowsk
For upcoming exhibits and more information on Heather’s work, please see her website heatherhansen.net
…or visit her on YouTube at Heather Hansen Emulsion Dance
