Heather Rios

I grew up in a tiny pink farmhouse in rural West Virginia without running water or electricity. While I now love and embrace technology, I am also saddened by the ways it has been used for harm in our modern world.
My work uses simple methods—embroidery techniques taught to me by my grandmother, paint piped from frosting bags, and vintage plates collected from antique stores—to celebrate simplicity, the handmade, and the precious things that robots or AI could never understand or replicate. The joys of being human.


www.instagram.com/Heather_Rios_Arte/

What themes or emotions are you exploring in your current work?

I've always wondered why exploring specific emotions with art is encouraged (anger, despair, fear, longing), but other, more joyful emotions are considered kitsch and taboo. My work isn't always joyful, but it's usually centered on capturing what I call "beautiful moments." I love it when people make comments about my work that begin with "this reminds me of my..." and it's usually a beautiful memory from their past.


What does your creative process look like?

My process has a lot of steps and involves such a wide variety of materials that it can sometimes feel chaotic. But during the longest step of that process, I'm able to enter a state of mind where I can think about other things and let my mind wander. During that stage, I often come up with my favorite ideas.


What inspires you outside of the visual arts?

I have three wonderful kids, who are all talented artists. They have always been my biggest inspiration and motivation. And I'm also so grateful to have a loving and supportive partner and two enigmatic cats.


How do you balance personal expression with the business side of your career?

I'm sure this sounds cliché, but learning how to say "no" has really helped me maintain my peace lately. I don't enjoy saying no, but I've learned that certain projects and requests are just too stressful.


What do you hope viewers feel or take away from your work?

Though there is so much turmoil and suffering in the world, it's okay to stop and have a moment of joy for ourselves. Our goal shouldn't be to make ourselves suffer because others are suffering, but instead to raise up those who are suffering into our joy.