When looking at Heidi’s photographs the viewer is privy to a world they have never seen before. Reality has been turned inside out as she delves into the unseen. Her artwork endeavors to create a tangible representation of the invisible world that lives inside our minds. Drawing from personal experiences and of those around her, she stages visual narratives depicting emotions, dreams, and memories. Believing that words are unable to fully communicate those things we can’t see yet know, she has created a visceral language in an attempt to take the conversation to a deeper level. She uses photography as her vehicle and voice. Entwining truth and fiction together she creates artwork about the complexities of our existence. Often her work addresses private internal thoughts that many people aren’t comfortable talking about in an attempt to de-stigmatize them and bring them to light. In bravely doing, so she establishes a bond with her viewers. Above all, her work is an empathetic and honest examination of our human condition.
Although Heidi has always crafted scenes for the camera, her recent work, starting with the “Brought to Light” and currently the “Places Unbeknownst” series, has been created using a new technique. The first part of her creative process is the creation of tabletop sets for the camera. She makes drawings that she cuts from paper and then adds multiple types of glass, papers, and various objects to the sets. In her studio,Heidi@HeidiClappTemple.com she puts a sheet of white paper in front of the sets and illuminates them from behind to create scenes seen through the white paper. Working with shadow, light, silhouettes, and reflections she creates a final composition that she photographs. This departure in technique has allowed her a greater degree of freedom to communicate concepts about the intangible aspects of our internal existence.
Education
Syracuse University, BFA Fine Art Photography, 1991
Sole Recipient of the Kodak Student Scholarship Award.
Experience
Fine Art Photographer, 1992-Present
Photographs exhibited and sold at various galleries, venues, and on-line.
NorthWind Computer & Design, Co-Owner, 2002-2012
Art director, photographer, and graphic artist for both web and print publications.
The Glass Eye, Owner and artist, 1992-2010
Design and creation of glass jewelry and mobiles for various shops, art shows, and on-line.
Recent and Upcoming Exhibitions/ Publications
September 2015, “Center Forward: 2015 Group Exhibition”, The Center for Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins, CO
July 2015, “VSA Florida ADA 25th Anniversary Exhibition”, Award of Merit, MOSI, Tampa, FL
June 2015, Art Ascent Magazine, Featured Silver Award Artist
June 2015, “International Photography Competition 2015 Group Exhibition”, Concept Photography Award, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Tampa, FL
May 2015, “Files & Film 2015: 2nd Annual Juried Photographic Art Show”, Juror’s Choice Award, Creative Soul Studio, St. Petersburg, FL
May 2015, “All-Florida Juried Exhibition”, Morean Art Center, St. Petersburg, FL
April 2015, “A World Beyond Group Exhibition”, PH21 Gallery, Budapest
April 2015, “The Trap Group Exhibition”, Hammond Art Center, Hammond, IN
March 2015, Interview and featured artist in ARTiculAction Magazine
January/February 2015, Featured Artist, Ticka Arts, TX
January 2015 (ongoing), Inclusion in afterimage Magazine’s On-line Gallery
December 2014, “Snap to Grid Open Exhibition”, Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, Los Angeles, CA
December 2014, “Dreams and Hallucinations Group Exhibition”, Darkroom Gallery, Essex Jct., VT
October 2014, “FIVE by FIVE Group Exhibition”, Tampa Museum of Art
August 2014, “Instagram Group Exhibition 3?, Right Side Art Gallery, Portland, OR
June 2014, “Member’s Exhibition”, Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Best in Digital Photography Award, Tampa, FL
Recipient of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County’s Individual Artist Grant.
