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Heather Freeman Contemporary Art
www.heatherfreeman.studio
ArtRoom Collective Studio #14

We sat down with Heather to explore the heart behind her art—diving into her creative process, what inspires her work, and how she spends her time when she's not making it. 

What kind of art do you create?
I create joyful abstract art to Uplift People's Spaces and Spirits  

Can you share your journey as an artist? What inspired you to pursue this path?
It started with beige walls and a bold idea. Sitting on the floor of our empty new home, holding my baby, I craved a space that felt alive. Despite my fear, I chose highlighter yellow—bright, daring, and full of joy. That simple can of paint transformed our home and opened my eyes to the emotional power of color. Today, I create art that brings that same energy into others' lives—because color isn’t just seen, it’s felt.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small rural dairy farm town in eastern Connecticut, surrounded by rolling fields and quiet country roads. Our neighborhood curled like a lollipop, with houses tucked along its winding street. Most days, my friends and I roamed freely—pedaling our bikes under wide blue skies, racing down the pavement, and ending up in someone’s yard as the sun dipped low, playing kickball or kick the can until dusk called us home.  

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the power of color to transform how we feel — to turn a blank space into a place filled with energy, comfort, and joy. I’m moved by everyday moments: sunlight pouring into a room, the laughter of my kids, or the simple beauty of nature’s colors. I create to capture that feeling — that spark — and to help others bring it into their own lives. For me, color isn’t just visual — it’s emotional, alive, and full of possibility.  

How long have you been producing art?
I've been making art since I was about 9 years old.

What do you enjoy doing outside of creating art?
When I'm not in my studio you can find me in the yoga studio, hanging with my two girls, playing pickleball with friends, or these days planning van adventures for our soon to be built new van with my hubby. 

Can you share any upcoming projects or exhibitions we should look out for?
I'm excited to be taking part in the Durango Creative District's Portrait Lotto. I'm by no means a portrait artist, but the idea of getting to know other artists in our community and playing around with creative expression in new and different ways intrigued me. The show will be later this summer in July.

When is your favorite time of day to create and why?
My creative juices flow best in the morning. The newness of the day has always been my favorite part of the day. Plus, I'm energetically at my best. I've never been and will never be a night owl.  

Most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
In 2023 my daughter and I ventured across the northern coast of Spain for 6 weeks by foot. So far, it's been the greatest and most fulfilling adventure of my life. We got to spend quality time together, met some amazing people from across the globe (who we are fortunate to still be friends with today), and got to experience the generosity and kindness from the people of Spain. 

Favorite piece you've created (and if you have a photo of it, attach in this email)?
The challenge I give myself when I paint is to keep pushing the boundaries, to keep growing, and keep doing things a little different, a little better.  So honestly every new piece I create is a favorite because within each, I'm able to discover a part of myself I didn't know existed. It's super fun.

What's something not many people know about you?
Hmmm.... Well, I didn’t grow up in art museums — as I mentioned earlier, I grew up riding bikes through a lollipop-shaped neighborhood in a small dairy farm town. My first “studio” was probably the sidewalk chalk drawings in my driveway. Looking back, I realize I was always playing with color and space — I just didn’t know I was training to be an artist yet.

What are you selling in your studio right now?
When you pop into my studio, you'll find original paintings, prints & joyful essentials for everyday life.  

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at The Smiley

1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301

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