Printed copies of catalog available by request.
Send an email including your name and mailing address to heidileitzke@gmail.com.
![Leizke_Etown_Oct28_BridgeAcrossPathThrough[2].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/508c94efe4b09d6a6296e3bb/1634329362199-QMN1SEATJYSL8FEOXOOO/Leizke_Etown_Oct28_BridgeAcrossPathThrough%5B2%5D.jpg)
a bridge across, a path through
a bridge across, a path through
new work by Heidi Leitzke
October 28 - December 10, 2021
Reception: October 28 from 4 – 7 p.m. with artist talk at 5 p.m.
Hess Gallery
Zug Memorial Hall
Elizabethtown College
I began my current body of work, a bridge across, a path through, in the summer of 2019 with a series of ink paintings made while watching the shifting light in the wooded lanes of Mount Gretna, PA. As I looked, I felt like my eyes were getting a much-needed massage. On these winding pathways, I composed images that captured the compressed space and dappled light of this landscape. Building on these ink drawings I started to create larger scale oil paintings, and richly layered thread paintings that furthered my exploration of bridges and paths in real and imagined landscapes.
I have been thinking about how a bridge is literally a way to connect two sides, serving as a metaphor of connection between two people with different experiences or ideals. This was particularly poignant in the fall of 2020, as we were in the midst of a very divisive election season and people were separated by their beliefs. A path winding through a space symbolizes a journey, perhaps through the past two years, living through the pandemic. Now as we near the end, there is both joy and anxiety associated with re-emerging into the world. We are all trying to navigate our world that feels both familiar and forever changed.
In an essay that accompanies the exhibition artist Bill Scott wrote, “The ensuing whimsy of Leitzke’s experiments make the viewer feel she is presenting the world to us with a childlike wonderment. It opens the door to what sets her apart from other landscape painters….A good memoirist can write a story that makes readers feel they too have a valuable story to tell and share. Leitzke paints in a way that makes me want to remain speechless so as to simply continue looking and to see how her images slowly unfold to reveal more than I see at first glance.”
Art Bubble Residency
Before I turned 40 years old, in April of 2019, I thought about how I wanted to celebrate, and I realized that what I really wanted was to take the time for an artist residency. It took a few months to work out all the details, but I was finally scheduled for a two-week residency at the Vermont Studio Center in March 2020. I thought, great, at least I will make it before I turn 41.
That was just before Covid hit. My residency was postponed to May 2020, then postponed again to May 2021. In March 2021, I received word that all VSC residencies were on pause, indefinitely. I would have to re-apply if I wanted to attend in the future, and the re-opening date has not been announced.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. I called one of my long time painting friends, for solace. She was encouraging, and willing to consider the idea of making our own painting retreat. Luckily the stars aligned for us to spend ten days in Mount Gretna, testing out the new Art Bubble Residency. While not what I originally set out to do, this residency was renewing, productive and has set me on a path of making art for the summer.
Two by Two at Cerulean Gallery
Rose Moon, 2020, thread and acrylic on linen, 12 x 12 inches
Two by Two will open at Cerulean Arts on November 25, 2020. The exhibition of small works will feature four of my newest thread paintings, that are each 12 x 12 inches. Each of the artists in the show have created four works of art that are the same size. The works will be installed two over two, highlighting the consistency in format, while inviting viewers to find similarities and differences amongst the artworks.
Virtual Reception and Artists’ Talk: Saturday, December 5 at 2 p.m.
Click here to Register for the Artists’ Talk Event
Exhibition continues through December 24, 2020.
Cerulean Arts is located at 1355 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
People's Response Art Show at Zoetropolis
The People’s Response is a way for Lancaster artists to respond to the climate of our country leading up to the 2020 election in a way that inspires positive change through art. All the artworks were created on newspaper, which easily accessible, and becomes a lovey metaphor as artists literally paint over and transform the news.
Summer night skies loom large in my memories of northern Wisconsin and have become a place that symbolizes escape and meditation, when I need to clear my mind.
The exhibition is free and open to the public through the month on November at Zoetropolis, 112 N. Water St., Lancaster, PA 17603.
Inktober is Mysterious
Mysterious, my single Inktober drawing for 2020. A few years ago I participated in the entire month of Inktober drawing prompts, not only was it fun, it also propelled my work forward in new ways. The last couple of years I have not had time to commit. This year I am grateful to @interactivedesignclub for encouraging us all to draw and organizing a digital showcase of MU Art & Design! #inktober #mysterious
Art Barter Mart at Modern Art
Lunch hour ride to the neighborhood Art Barter Mart @itsmodernart 🚲🎯🎨 picked up a really rad trophy and left behind some #stayhomeandread painted bookmarks! #artbartermart Thanks for making my day a lot brighter, Libby 😘 you really are making Lancaster feel better.
