"Many Tranquil Moments II" by Denise Snyder

Handmade paper, peeled lilac wood, linen, synthetic gut. 32" x 26" x 6", 1 lb. 2022. The sculpture hangs out from the wall at the top so that the papers are allowed to hang more freely and appear to cascade downward.

I also like to think of these many small squares as the plates that make up a butterfly wing.

Denise has always had a strong connection to nature and its beautiful forms and textures. Early in life her interest took on a scientific bent. She studied environmental science at Western Washington University. To complete her degree, she studied marine algae along the arctic coastline of Mehamn, Norway.

Norway is where her she was inspired by their traditional crafts of tapestry and weaving. Eventually she spent an extended time in Sweden studying weaving and apprenticed with Viveka Nygren, a celebrated fiber artist.

Over time, Denise began making wall and free-standing sculptures from more organic materials such as 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 a most recent commission for the Ballard Yards Luxury Apartments in Seattle, WA.

Denise lives in Bellingham with her husband Brett Baunton, a landscape photographer.

You can find more of the artist's work at www.dsnyderartist.com.