Regina Held

Artist Statement

As an artist and gardener, I am fascinated by all that is organic, textured, and layered. Patterns are entwined with organic and geometric elements, and plant forms frequently become the base for more gestural and abstract components. Like my flower beds my images are intensely layered both for the pure joy of creating textures and to allow room for the element of discovery.

My work has recently changed from highly detailed paintings to the more expressive and spontaneous medium of monotypes. I am learning to relish the fluidity of liquid brush strokes and the immediacy of working with a rag into an inked field. At the same time, I am struggling with the fine line of expressiveness versus sloppiness and layering versus mud.  My images focus on creating a balance expression and calmness, shape and line, and realism versus abstraction.

Like learning to grow a garden in a new environment, I am adjusting my vocabulary to the new medium of monotypes. anticipate a big compost heap of failed images, but something might take root eventually.

Biography

Place of Birth: Dortmund, Germany

Date of Birth: 1962

Education:

1992, Bachelor of Fine Art, University of Texas at Austin

1996, Master of Art, University of New Mexico                 

Additional Art Education: 1998, Summer Class, Tamarind Institute of Lithography; Albuquerque, NM.

Awards:

2005: Bravo Awards for outstanding organization, Arts Alliance, Albuquerque, NM

2002: Magnifico Honors; Award in recognition of outstanding accomplishment in the arts and contributions to Albuquerque’s art community.

1995: Merit Award, Visions of Excellence IX.           

Major collections:

Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile

Arches paper mill, France

Albuquerque Museum

Museo de la Estampa, Mexico City

Western University, Silver City, NM

UNM Law School, Albuquerque, NM

UNM Hospital, Albuquerque, NM

Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

University of Texas at Austin

University of North Carolina at Fayetteville

Gallery Representation: Occasions, Scottsdale, Arizona

Major exhibitions:

2003 Printmaking Biennale, Lorient, France

2002: Magnifico Honors, Magnifico Artspace, Albuquerque, NM

         About Monotypes, Carnahan Fine Arts Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

2000: Anatomy of a Garden, ARC Gallery, Albuquerque, NM. Solo exhibition.

1999: Open and Closed Systems, South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM

1998: Himmel und Erde,  ARC Gallery, Albuquerque, NM.

1997: No Edition, Lucy Gallery, Albuquerque, NM.

        Matrix, Arc Gallery, Albuquerque, NM.

        Human Presence, South Broadway Cultural Center, Albuquerque, NM.

        Breastplates, Matrix Gallery, Sacramento, LA. Solo exhibition.

1995: Regina Held: Magische Schilde - Papiersculpturen, Gallery Gerda Türke, Dortmund, Germany

       Visions of Excellence IX.” State Fair Fine Arts Gallery. Statewide juried exhibition.

       Paper/Fiber XVIII.” Johnson City/Johnson County Arts Council, Iowa City, IO.         

        Art on Paper 95. Maryland Federation of Art Gallery on the Circle. Annapolis, MA.

1994: Printmaking Exhibition: Printmakers from UNM, and UDLA, Puebla, Mexico

1993: Graphika.” University of the Americas, Puebla, Mexico.