I hope you enjoy the latest installment of my Artist Spotlight Series featuring Heidi Lanino Bilezikian.  Heidi shares my love of equestrian art and all things horses.

Heidi Lanino Bilezikian

Warwick, New York

What is your training?

I have a BFA from Pratt Institute, studied drawing and painting nationally and internationally, and worked for L’Oréal as an art director in New York City.

What inspires you and your designs?

Inspiration comes from so many sources: personal passions, life, movement, nature, music, moments…

My approach to canvas, paper, and clay is with marks, lines, and color.

 What is your favorite piece?

Hard to answer, for me it is always the process of the last piece that is my favorite. I am working on a ceramic piece right now but if I had to choose, Polo Match I

and II, from my Polo Series.

How has your area influenced your work?

Moving from Brooklyn to the Hudson Valley was a big change. I am surrounded by horse farms and open spaces, which have inspired my horse and landscape series. I grew up in Long Island and am still influenced by the shapes and colors of that topography that find their way into my work.

What is your favorite restaurant in (your city)?

The Grange, a charming farm to table restaurant. 

What is your favorite cocktail?

I’m really a red wine drinker and prefer Cabernet Sauvignon.

How do you balance personal life and work?

It is definitely a challenge. I want to be in many places at the same time: painting on location; working in my studio; being with my family and friends. As a mother, teacher, artist, wife and friend there’s little bits of me scattered about on any given day.

Dream trip?

Spending a month in a country to experience and create a body of work. I would pick Spain, or Morocco, since I have not visited there yet.

Dream commission?

I would love to create a large mural from my abstract horse series, or dance series for a public space.

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

 I like to give something to enjoy with the senses usually wine, chocolate or flowers.

Who is your style icon?

I don’t really have one, eclectic elegant, but who comes to mind? Jackie Kennedy. I saw her in my mother as a little girl growing up. She’s an indelible icon for me.

I thought of my mother and Jackie while making my Plastic Bag Dress “Fina” for our local Warwick Arts Festval.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

Miguel Laino

 What is your most treasured possession?

My art book(s). Too many to mention.

What are you reading?

Wild,

and Joan Mitchell: Lady Painter

What are you listening to?

Sylvan Esso Radio, on iTunes.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Vogue (My Polo Painting is in the August UK issue!) Art 21

Enjoy a few of my favorite pieces from her portfolio below. 

 

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