Artwork copyright Heidi Oberheide. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Heidi Oberheide. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Bear, 1990

Heidi Oberheide
(Canadian, born 1943, died 2023)

Location: Highline College, Des Moines

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Bear by Heide Oberheide uses expressive abstraction to depict a bear, with several gestural figures integrated into the composition. Oberheide's art is inspired by the animals and landscapes of the West. She is also interested in the intersections between humans and nature.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Riverview School District and Highline Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Eastern Washington artist Heidi Oberheide's (1943-2023) work explores color relationships and elemental forms. Oberheide is inspired by the open spaces, unique vegetation, desert, canyons, and mountains of the West. She is also interested in the intersections between humans and nature.

Oberheide was born in Germany. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1969 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in drawing and printmaking in 1971, both from Southern Illinois University. In 1972, she co-founded St. Michael's Printshop in Newfoundland, Canada. She has lived and worked in Eastern Washington since 1983.