Denise Snyder
We are pleased to share the art and ideas of Denise Snyder in the fourth installment of the NWDC Artist Interview series.
Denise lives in Bellingham with her husband Brett Baunton, a landscape photographer. At Western Washington University, she studied environmental science, a natural focus for her love of nature and desire to protect it. To complete her degree, Denise studied marine algae along the arctic coastline of Mehamn, Norway. Norway is where she began to pursue weaving and tapestry taking advantage of the richness of that countries artistic tradition. Soon after, Denise apprenticed with Viveka Negrin, a celebrated fiber artist in Sweden.
Over time, Denise began making wall and free-standing sculptures from peeled or unpeeled branches, grasses, paper, wire and metal. The clarity of her designs and balanced sense of composition reflect the influence of Denise’s Scandinavian heritage and her experiences abroad.
Denise’s work has been exhibited widely, including at the Nevada State Museum, Bellevue Art Museum, Whatcom Museum, and the Nordic Heritage Museum. Her large-scale public sculptures have been on view in downtown Bellingham. The artist’s corporate commissions range from numerous Hyatt and Marriott Hotels throughout US, the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and most recently Ballard Yards Luxury Apartments in Seattle, WA.
How were you introduced to art?
My Dad and I spent time together building all sorts of things. From him I learned to figure out how things were put together and to construct whatever I wanted to. Plus, my family lived in Germany for many years where we frequented fine craft stores. I could see that there was something amazing about these crafts even though I didn't necessarily understand that they were handmade by artists. The art and architecture in Europe was so inspiring and I thought that this was just a wonderful form of normal.
Where do you find inspiration when creating new work?
Generally things in nature shout out to me. I love the textures of grasses, branches and vines and how they develop into their own individual structures. When I create something that uses these materials I always want the outcome to be something that has really clean lines. I try to create this conceptual application of space in my work.
What do you consider your greatest artistic achievement?
I recently completed a metal gate with side panels for a home on San Juan Island. This was inspired by the curling lines of grape vines and the final form is deep and active. The multidimensionality of the gate really thrilled me.
What is the quality you most like in an artist?
That they are willing to brainstorm and think creatively.
Which living artist do you most admire?
I love the works of Barbara Earl Thomas. I saw a brilliant light filled installation of her work in 2021at the Seattle Art Museum. She is a Seattle artist and speaks so eloquently and colorfully through her artwork. She is skilled and so creative in her many mediums of paintings, glass, cut paper, linocut and woodblock prints, sculpture, and installation. Her work tells stories about her personal history and experiences and the politics that affect her life.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would think before I spoke. I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one that would like that behavior to change.
What is your most treasured possession?
A body and mind that allows me to be an artist and also have fun outdoors.
Who has had a significant influence over your work?
At times clients and interior designers have really pushed my creative edge by requesting that I create something in the genre of my work but way beyond what I have already done. I really love this opportunity to work so out of my comfort zone to create something that I had not previously imagined.
How has your studio practice changed?
I work in a number of mediums and some of the sculptures are large and would just destroy my house. So now, instead of one studio in the house I have three on our property. There is a room in my house for more delicate paper and raffia constructions. Then, one outbuilding is committed to metal sculpture. A third studio space is used to build larger wooden sculptures.
Plus, as far as my schedule goes, I work really hard for a couple of weeks and then make a quick few day getaway to rejuvenate. Then, I'm ready to make something happen again.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Those simple moments of connection with friends and also strangers.
Images: Many Tranquil Moments | Knotted Raffia | Lilac-Hazelnut | Transition VIII | Effervescent Energy
