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Making art allows me to celebrate life. Life is a gift. For me, joyously exploring the talents I have been given is my way of saying thanks for the gift of life.

I saw myself as a writer until the year 2000, when my mother, who was a watercolor artist, suggested I try painting. I took up the brush cautiously, but felt an immediate surge of energy.

Since that day, I have studied with different Wisconsin artists and have expanded the media I work in to acrylics, multi-media collage, and others. I especially like multi-media collage. I seem drawn to paper and am fascinated with the process of tearing paper into smaller pieces and creating images. I fall in love with torn bits of paper. Even their edges sing. In scrap form, the colors, texture and lines on these pieces seem even more beautiful.

I tend to have periods where I work in one medium exclusively. However when I return to another medium, I experience a joyful reunion. Whatever medium I am using at the time is the one I love.

Collage, because the artist can integrate different media in one piece, remains a very attractive form for me to work in, but the colors of watercolors and acrylics also demand my attention.

I am attracted to images of nature, particularly hills. At the same time, there is a quirky side to my art. I have painted a picture of my compost pail and made collages featuring pigeons.

I like to work on the other end of the spectrum as well, creating abstract images. I don't hold back on color when I am painting. Painting reflects feelings and I am a feeling oriented individual. Above all, I believe making art should be fun and my only expectation when I am making art is to enjoy the process. I am constantly evolving.

A Little About Me

    I was born and raised in Chippewa Falls, WI. From a very early age, my dream was to become a writer. I have a B.S. Degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. I have used my writing skills in public relations, employee communications, and human resources management. I have also sold real estate and milked cows. I have had a very interesting and diverse life supporting myself and my two daughters who are now grown. In 2000, I married my husband Gerald Simpson.  

I have written three non-fiction books for women. I have two completed novels and am represented by a literary agent from Canada. My poems, stories, personal essays and feature stories have been widely published in different publications all over the U.S. 

Although writing comes first, visual art works in partnership with my writing. My mind often sees a painting or story as they should look completed. The challenge for me is to discover how to create that image using art materials or words.   

Once a year I participate in an art studio tour. The hayloft of the old barn serves as my gallery. This year's Falling Leaves Art StudioTour is scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2008. Otherwise, to see my artwork, please make an appointment to come to my home.

chennekens@centurytel.net
Candace A. Hennekens
E14585 Lincoln Drive
Fall Creek, WI 54742
715 877-2303

Candace A. Hennekens

A very important part of my life is my farm. It gives me the peace and beauty I need to be inspired both as a writer and as an artist. I enjoy walking the roads around my farm year round. I have always been an avid gardener and raise and preserve many vegetables and fruits from my garden, orchard, and vineyard. My farm is outside the village of Fall Creek, WI. My art studio is located in the old milk house next to the barn.