Through painting, Heidi Best explores physical and psychic emotions stemming from personal experience, female identity, sexuality and the presence of the body. The dynamics between Best and a physical projection through gestural painting are reviled through the growing connection between her and the environment which the work develops. Her practice draws on memories expressed in a visual language worked out through visceral exploration of painterly surface, suggestion. Movement becomes an integral aspect of the conscious understanding of the explorative journey.
Self-taught, or art school?
Art school, From as early as I can remember I was passionate about drawing, I was a daydreamer with a vivid imagination and art was my best friend.
In secondary school, I spent all the hours possible in the art studios. After A’ levels, I completed a ‘Foundation in Art & Design’ and decided to not progress on to University and go travelling instead. In 2009 I completed a BA (Hons) Fine Art at the University of Derby. Best experience ever.
If you could own one piece of art, what would it be?
This is such a difficult question, so many artworks and artists inspire me. But I suppose it would have to be anything by Mark Rothko. I remember sitting in the Rothko room at the Tate and being completely overwhelmed with emotion, so so much so that I cried my eyes out. His paintings are so emotive, powerful, and profound. They spoke to me, it was as though the canvases were breathing. Truly beautiful.
How would you describe your style?
My background is ‘Abstract expressionism’ but my work has slowly moved towards contemporary figurative painting.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
Through painting and printmaking, I attempt to explore physical sensations and psychic emotions stemming from personal experience, female identity, sexuality, and the presence of the body.
My practice draws on memories expressed in a visual language worked out through visceral exploration, the object of art and its subject becomes an integral aspect of the conscious understanding of this explorative journey. This passage is at the root of a series of drawings, prints, and paintings where I hope to understand myself and the body as a language.
Often an idea for a painting will come to me in a dream. I don’t really research a piece or plan as such, I have the idea, stretch the canvas and then I begin. It’s a completely intuitive process, spontaneous and emotionally driven. I see this as a ritualistic and almost symbolic method of development where I gain a deeper understanding of the narrative of my existence, consciousness, and psychology
Is narrative important in your art?
Absolutely, we all have our story to tell.
Who are your favourite artists, and why?
Again, such a difficult question. I think my love for artists has evolved along with my practice. In my younger years, I was heavily influenced by the ‘Abstract Expressionists’, Willem De Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Philip Guston to name a few. The physicality of the work, scale, the beauty, the experimental, the visceral exploration of paint was totally captivating. I was on a mission to reclaim the male-dominated realms of this movement.
When I was at university I was introduced to Francesca Woodman and was instantly in love, this has led me to discover a wealth of female artists who I admire and inform my practice. Tracey Emin because of her genuine truth, her raw emotions. Jenny Saville for her brushstrokes, so seemingly effortless and bold yet, sensitive, Cecily Brown for her expression and sexuality, the list is endless.
Where is your studio, and what’s it like?
My studio is in my garage at home, I have a wonderful view of Stoney Woods, it is chaotic like my mind and often messy. I try to be an organized artist but my painting is often frantic and because of the scale, it becomes disordered.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Coffee and music, the current favourite, Victory for the sullen. 9, What are you working on currently?
I have just completed ‘Ascension’ the sister piece is in the early stages.
Where can we buy your work?
You can contact me directly at
heidijaynebest@yahoo.com
instagram@heidijaynebestart facebook@heidijaynebest
