SAM UTTECHT HELTIBRIDLE, mixed media artist

I grew up in Whitewood, South Dakota, playing in the parks, climbing trees, and developing a great love of nature. That fascination with nature led me into a career as a professional artist. I pursued this career by studying at Metropolitan State College of Denver and Black Hills State University to receive my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. I currently live in Box Elder, SD with my husband, Doug, my son, Dean, and our dogs, Sorscha and Luna.

I have been fascinated with wood from a very early age. My grandfather, father, and brothers have all been carpenters. Quite literally, wood has always been in my life, which is why it is such an important part of my art. I can remember going to my father and wanting a sheet of plywood to draw on as a kid, and he gave me a piece of foam insulation instead. Needless to say, even as a five-year-old, I was a bit saddened that I couldn’t have the wood to draw on.

As an adult, I work with wood mainly, frequently saving discarded and unwanted pieces from becoming trash. These pieces become my canvases, and I strive to let the beauty of the wood shine through.

Contact Sam at samheltibridle.com, Facebook.com/Sam.Heltibridle, SamHeltibridle.etsy.com, Instagram.com/SamuHeltibridle,
… and visit Art Expressions Gallery and Gifts in Custer to view her work.