I am a professional artist with a BFA from Cooper Union. My work has been exhibited around the world. I was a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in February 2023 after I experienced sudden and dramatic neurological symptoms which affected my speech, cognition and movement. Art therapy gave me focused time to work through my symptoms and helped me process without being alone. Ironically, prior to my diagnosis, I worked as a professional caregiver in addition to being a professional artist. Over the years, I have explored the role of caregiving in my life through art, and this inspires the way that I work. I am a sculptor and painter who works in mixed media, particularly with found objects. This group of paintings is acrylic and ink on paper. Because I have strongly identified as a person who gives care, it has been challenging to confront those perceived roles of giver and receiver in myself since my diagnosis. Now, I am working through this in my creative practice.
Heather Kadlec Shack had a severe ischemic stroke in 2011. She discovered watercolor painting as part of her recovery therapy and has since become a talented artist with a unique perspective. After losing her dominant right hand, she learned to paint left- handed. Heather’s stroke caused aphasia, which limited her ability to speak, read and write, and her art has become a means for her to express herself. Heather participated in her first art show in 2013. She launched her first business in 2015, first selling her original artwork, then fine art prints and greeting cards under HMK Watercolors. In 2019, HMK Living was launched to include clothing and accessories designed from Heather’s art. Heather is currently residing in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband, Jonathan. Since their move in May 2022, Heather has been inspired by the history, culture and people of Spain, and all her latest paintings reflect this. A portion of HMK Watercolors sales is donated to the Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp, a program close to Heather’s heart that helps survivors of strokes and their caregivers improve their quality of life.
Meatshield in Muck 9”x12”
Water Lilies 22”x29”
White Tulip 16”x20”
What Sticks Floating 12”x9”
Vivid Blooms 20”x16”
Study of Pink Flower 20”x16”
Grasp on Squish 12”x9”
Explosive happy Satire 9”x8”
Flower Patch 4 20”x16”
Flower Collection 2 20”x16”
Purple Passion 14”x11”
False Understatement and Meat Comfort • 7”x5” each (2)
Settling Cloudy Dilution and Settling Positive Pressure • 7”x5” each (2)
Drooping Daisies 14”x11”
Psychedelic Spray 11”x13.5”
Florals 3 20”x16”
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