Nadia Hassler

For as long as I can remember, art has been a source of relaxation, meditation, and enjoyment for me. I have always felt the need to create. As a kid, I taught myself how to sew and design costumes. From there, I moved on to collages, using various materials and textures that I am drawn to.  In sixth grade, I began taking art classes at an art studio called Marwen that offered free state-of-the-art facilities, materials and classes to kids grades 6-12. While there, I took classes in just about everything I could. I never wanted to specialize in one area because I was interested in learning everything. My adult career has not been much different. I like to work in just about every medium, although printmaking is my main focus.  

Much of my work is created spontaneously, and always with an attitude of fun and discovery. Sometimes I will work collaboratively, holding all night photo sessions with a friend, and following my imaginations and whims for inspiration. I might end up dying food neon colors, or hanging burgers from the ceiling. Usually I like to keep my art lighthearted and fun, because I have fun when I make art, and I want to share that. I believe that art should not be something pretentious or exclusive, but rather a source of beauty and happiness for everybody. I see art as an escape from the worries we keep in the back of our minds everyday, and a chance to just be. 

My art has always drawn inspiration from nature and the world around me. I have always been drawn to textures, vivid, earthy colors, chaos and pattern, and so I will incorporate these things in my work almost subliminally. However, I am not trying to create mindless images. I want to create images that require a second glance and a second thought to appreciate. That is why most recently I have been trying to combine my outside interests in nature, science, ecology, with my interest in art.