INSPIRE ME! Artist, Linda Witte Henke

"I find it more productive to engage 

people in discussions of universal spiritual themes"

~ LINDA WITTE HENKE

By Ernest Disney-Britton

Last July, when 10,000 Episcopalians descended onto Indianapolis for their national convention, I heard about this amazing Lutheran artist named Linda Witte Henke. Her massive work, "Great O Antiphons" was on display as part of the convention's sacred art display. I soon subscribed to her newsletter, but I didn't get a chance to see her work in person until November's 2013 "Alpha Omega: Religious Risks" at Indiana Interchurch Center. I was wowed, and am happy to introduce INSPIRE ME! Artist, Linda Witte Henke.

Portrait of the artist, Linda Witte Henke

1. What is your faith tradition, and how does it impact your art? I'm engaged in the Lutheran expression of the Christian tradition.  Inspiration for my work often comes from sacred writings, liturgical practices, and theological reflections associated with my faith practice.

"The Great O Antiphons (panel 1 of 7, Sapientia)" by Linda Witte Henke

2. Describe your artwork. What style or genre is it? I'm a contemporary mixed-media artist specializing in liturgically purposed work, such as vestments (garments worn by worship leaders), paraments (adornments for worship appointments, such as ambos and communion tables), and large, site-specific installations.  I create primarily in fiber, but I design for all media.

"Wholly, Holy, Whole" (2012) by Kinda Witte Henke

3. Have you ever had to defend exploring religious ideas? I find it more productive to engage people in discussions of universal spiritual themes than to enter into debates about religious beliefs.

"Passion Pilgrimage (panel 13 of 18, Proximity)" (2004) by Linda Witte Henke

4. Who collects your work, and why? Most of my work is created through a commission process for Christian congregations, denominational headquarters, religious agencies, and, occasionally, individuals.

"All Things New" (2013) by Linda Witte Henke

5. What "risks" have you taken in creating your work? I'm currently creating life-scale, three-dimensional, figurative sculptures depicting unfamiliar or misunderstood female characters from the bible, accompanied by original first-person narratives intended to engender a sense of kinship with the characters.  I develop such a strong sense of connection with the characters, that I feel vulnerable in sharing their stories.

"Familiar Tale" (2012) by Linda Witte Henke

6. What other artists have influenced your work? Sadao Wantanabe, a Japanese artist who translated biblical stories through the use of culturally expressive imagery, had an early and enduring influence on both my faith and my art.  My first experience of contemporary fiber art -- an exhibition of work by Nancy Crow -- awakened me to fiber as a medium of artistic expression.

"Annunciation" by Sadao Wantanabe

7. How can A&O readers collect/experience your work? I encourage people to contact me (linda(at)lindahenke.com) to subscribe to my periodic electronic newsletters, which contain listings of places where my work is being exhibited, as well as news about my work within and beyond the studio.  People may also enjoy visiting my website (www.lindahenke.com).

"Tree of Life" (2008) by Linda Witte Henke

I'm not sure how others find amazing artists, but I clip articles and create files on them. That's how I first came to know the work of NYC-based artist Kehinde Wiley. Way back in 2007, I came across his work in a design magazine in Cincinnati, and I clipped it. The dramatic images stuck but I never expected to see them in person, and soon enough I was living in NYC, and even socializing (twice) with the artist. Last July, I clipped the news story about Linda Witte Henke; and while I've yet to meet her, I hope we all get to do so very soon.

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2013 A&O Prize for Artwork of Year: "Golden Sea” by Makoto Fujimura

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

Makoto Fujimura, “Golden Sea,” 2011.
Mineral Pigments and Gold on Kumohada, 80 × 64”. 

NEW YORK---The chair, Gregory Disney-Britton, the board, and the members of Alpha & Omega Project for Contemporary Religious Arts are pleased to announce the 2013 inductee for artwork of the year: "Golden Sea". Created by Makoto Fujimura, the selection honors the work of contemporary religious art that had the greatest influence in bridging the art vs. religion divide in the United States during the past year. "Throughout human history, religions and art have been joined as part of the wider quest for meaning. "Golden Sea" shows why we need both," said chairman Disney-Britton. Featured this past May at Manhattan's Dillon Gallery, the "Golden Sea" exhibition of new works, coincided with publication of Fujimura's first retrospective monograph, as well as a biographical documentary.

Since 2008, Alpha Omega Arts has been surveying members about the impact of Religious Art experiences in the United States, and awarding the ALPHA OMEGA PRIZE.

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INSPIRE ME! Artist of Month: Dan Cooper

"Science, particularly theoretical physics, 
intertwines with my experience and faith." 
~DAN COOPER

By Ernest Disney-Britton

When the Board of Alpha & Omega Project for Contemporary Religious Arts decided to launch an inaugural exhibition featuring works by Hoosiers, Dan Cooper was one of those at the top of the list. There is one Methodist on the board, and he wanted to include a Believer whose work would help to introduce part of the history of that tradition, but to do it in a non-traditional way. Dan's work does just that. Methodists are a denomination that came out of the Protestant Reformation, and is characterized by its emphasis on the average person. I think Dan's work does that well. It's an honor to share his story, and his work as an INSPIRE ME! Artist for 2013.

"Self-protrait" (2013) by Dan Cooper

1.  What is your faith tradition, and how does it impact your art? I was raised a Methodist and, after a long absence and years of studying & practicing spiritual beliefs, became an active member with Castleton United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. My faith has always been an integral part of the story contained in my body of work. Science, particularly theoretical physics, intertwines with my experience and faith. A consistent theme is symbolized using realistic imagery to express abstract concepts.

"Super String Theory" by Dan Cooper

2.  Describe your artwork. What style or genre is it? Acrylic on canvas, sometimes combined with digital, and collaborative art videos are media I love working with. My paintings are not of a particularly named genre. The closest example would be German Romanticism of the early 1800s especially Caspar David Freidrich but with a contemporary flair. Natural Symbolism based on a Midwest sensibility.

"Burn 3: Reflection" (2011) by Dan Cooper

3.  Have you ever had to defend exploring religious ideas? No. This question made me think the longest. I encourage people to talk about their beliefs as they try to figure out what a painting’s story means to them. My art/public relationships have always been positive.

"Spring/Winter" (2012) by Dan Cooper

4.  Who collects your work, and why? People become emotionally attached to a painting and would like to own a painting by me. Some people have learned that when they commission me for a painting they’ll get something special. Private collectors are scattered throughout the country. Paintings in corporate collections are among other fine art and not decorative or commercial works.

"Seasons: Tree" (2012) by Dan Cooper

5.  What "risks" have you taken in creating your work? Just being an artist is a risk. Being yourself and exposing your soul to the world is a risk. I share a message of rebirth, continuous life, infinite possibilities, and universal love. I risk a limited audience for that story, but I have mastered a quality of craftsmanship to at least capture attention long enough to make most viewers think and feel - I hope. Is hoping risky?

"Going Somewhere Else" (2012) by Dan Cooper

6.  What other artists have influenced your work? Art Influences include Joy Cooper, my grandmother who early on encouraged me to create in multiple ways, Pablo Picasso for his genius and continuous growth; Henri Matisse for composition; Marcel Duchamp for philosophy and lifestyle; Maxfield Parrish for color and technique; Caspar David Friedrich for natural symbolism; and Ellie Siskind for friendship and wisdom.

"Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" (1818) by Caspar David Friedrich

7.  How can A&O readers collect/experience your work? The easiest way to experience my art is to visit http://CooperFineArt.com and https://youtube.com/ArtistDanC otherwise I show in regional juried exhibits and one-person shows locally (Indianapolis). Collecting can start by visiting my site, contacting me, and preparing for an adventure.

"Self -portrait" (2013) by Daneil Cooper

I conclude with a return to the role of the Methodist church in the United States, as the goal for Alpha Omega Arts has always been to strengthen ties with other religious traditions. They are in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and in dialogue with the Episcopal Church, according to Wikipedia.  Dan lives in Indianapolis, and I hope you will search him out in your own journey to strengthen ties with other religious traditions through the arts. He can be reached at Dan(at)CooperFineArt.com, and I encourage you to see his work in this November's exhibition at Indiana Interchurch Center, "Alpha & Omega: Religious Risks" (Nov. 1-29, 2013).

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