Thinking, Naturally with artist Colleen Herman | an interview
On the role of nature, sources of inspiration, favorite things, and words of wisdom
I met the work before the woman and in each encounter it felt like kismet. Colleen’s art, for reasons that will be obvious here I’m sure, captivated me immediately. I think about it often, still, as I do too about the life of the artist—specifically and generally. As lives evolve, social circles and collections of colleagues tend to as well. Colleen is one of those people who, after discovering, I hoped would be in my future—in whatever capacity the forces of change dictated. I’m deeply inspired by those who are committed to their craft—to art-making, to materializing the immaterial, to creating, to their calling. It’s a challenging and risky way to live, but ultimately what could be more fulfilling? Surrounding ourselves with those who do as we dream is one small part of the process of becoming.
This is the first in an ongoing column of interviews in which we think naturally with the humans who intrigue, excite, provoke, and influence us. I believe they’ll have the same effect on you, and have been looking forward to sharing our people with … our people! This first interview brought tears to my eyes.
With love,
Rachelle
•°. *࿐•°.
Meet Colleen Herman
Colleen Herman is an artist working and living in New York City. She grapples with the nature of nature: primarily through color, materiality, and a bodily centered process. Exhibitions of her work have been held in New York City and Los Angeles, California, as well as internationally in Germany, Spain, and Mexico. Discover more at colleenherman.com and @colleenmherman.
When did you know that you wanted to be an artist? How did you find your medium?
I wanted to be an artist from a very young age. Exploring the world through my hands felt - and feels - the most natural. Color has always spoken to me as a way of understanding the environment and where I am. The media I’m drawn to using has a directness and a vitality. Touching and moving color around, allowing relationships to form, is a very sensual experience.
What role does nature play in your art?
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