HEIDI BRANDT
Mississippi Ties, Fujichrome slide photograph, 12'' x 18'', 2005

Heidi Brandt grew up in Davenport, Iowa where the Mississippi River runs
east and west. During her 30-year graphic arts career Heidi helped to
reproduce great images and in 1990 took her first photography workshop to
learn to create them herself. In 1993, Heidi opened her own business where
she used her photography in the advertising pieces she designed.

Heidi's photography education includes an independent study with Leslie
Bell, Professor, Department of Art, St. Ambrose University, a workshop with
nature photographer Hank Erdmann and studies in Adobe Photoshop.

In 2005 photography became a full-time passion and business when she and Dee Oberle formed Gypsy Chicks Photography specializing in fine art, digital
photography workshops and mailable art cards.

Their work has been featured in Midcoast Art exhibits, Iowa Arts Beat
Magazine and is available for sale at Unique Art and Eclectic Eye Galleries
in Bucktown Center for the Arts, Davenport, IA, Quad City Arts, Rock Island
Illinois and Artswork, LeClaire, IA.

About her work, Heidi writes, "I have a love and deep respect for nature. I use my designer's eye to hone in on the detail of a leaf, or the curve of a flower. Photography allows me to preserve the wonders of nature and to always have it around me.  As a freelance graphic designer I found that my best work happened when I was working with great photos that inspired me.  I have finally decided to get away from the computer more to experience the world through the lens of my camera and to share my art with others.  In our fast-paced world I find balance by stopping to enjoy the beauty that is always near.

I am working on a "Patterns & Textures" series and another called "Wabi Sabi".  I am experimenting with new processes and finding inspiration from fellow artists to further evolve my art. I also hope to see my art on greeting cards, calendars and home decorating items in the future.

"Mississippi Ties" was taken when I had the treat of riding a tow boat on the Mississippi River at sunset.  I can't think of any better way of experiencing the Mississippi than that!

Gypsy Chicks Photography site