Tom & Jean Heffernan

We are inherently creative. In the latest iteration of our lives, that creativity is distinctly centered in the visual arts. Explicitly as abstract, multi-media artists working primarily in metal (copper, steel, aluminum) along with wood, paint, resin, epoxy, glass, and stone. We are fascinated by, and thus explore, the interaction of color, texture, shape, and materials on aesthetics and emotion. Our art is designed to draw the eye, enliven the senses and enrich a room. Beauty is at the forefront. Beautiful things make people happy. Through the intersection of our passions and the luscious nature of our materials, our work generates delight.

Thinking about remodeling? We could make it happen. We completely renovated our 140 year-old, five story home, by ourselves, while living in it. It took 8 years. Later, we renovated 10 other houses. That restoration process is the origin of our present work.

We are abstract, multi-media artists, working primarily in metal (copper, steel, aluminum, brass). We work full time and all art is a joint effort by the two of us. At the onset, we hand-made decorative, functional art (mirrors, doors, countertops, tables, sconces) for every restoration. Each was unique and vastly superior to anything available in a store.

People noticed. The art was featured in several magazines, including Phoenix Home & Garden, and Sedona Monthly. Soon, we were invited into a premier art gallery that has sold our art steadily for 15 years. We’ve done numerous group shows in Sedona and Albuquerque.

In time, our work has evolved and expanded to include art that is stripped of function.

In both modes, our perspective is simple: produce beautiful, interesting art that stimulates and enlivens the senses.

We live in and are inspired by the American Southwest: an intense, alluring region that evokes myriad feelings. Likewise, our work arouses emotions.

The people and things that influence us fall into three categories:

Masters: particularly,

• Georgia O’Keeffe-for her amorphous shapes;

• Jackson Pollock-for his organic technique and rebellious nature;

• Wassily Kandinsky-for his use of color compositionally and psychologically;

• Mark Rothko-for his shear emotionality.

Masses: the incredible creativity of our fellow artists (in all mediums and all crafts) and our fellow humans in all endeavors-it’s mind-boggling and inspiring.

Nature: the quintessential designer and colorist.