Wendy Heiges, Mixed Media Designer and Artist

My background served as a perfect springboard for this twenty year adventure I have enjoyed as a mixed media artist.  I graduated from Drexel University with a degree in interior design. Going to school in a city invited me to explore design and architecture in a diverse community.  Studying design taught me the principles that guide me when laying out my color palette and composition on the frame or mirror I am creating.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term mixed media, it simply means that there is more than one medium or media used in creating artwork. In my case, I work with a curated blend of handmade papers and acrylic paints. The shape of my chosen piece tends to dictate the direction my design takes. And over the years I have created works inspired by cultures from around the world.  I am thrilled to be exhibiting my new collection with the fine woodworking skills of Josh, Ashley and Ritch, and the beautiful pottery created by Shawn.  We hope you enjoy our show, Interiors.

Josh Bio

I’m the owner of Bear Mtn. Woodworks and Bear Mtn Guitarworks. I’ve had a lifelong appreciation for woodcraft and furniture making. I started woodworking a few years ago to escape the stress of my job as a Chef. This quickly turned into an outlet to channel my creative energy and I started building pieces for our house and commissions for local customers. Last year I started dabbling in making guitars which merged two of my life long passions together. I enjoy all types of woodcraft and my goal is to produce high quality pieces that will bring joy and function to peoples lives. It is the greatest gift to be able to create for others.

Ritch Bio

First a quote from Alice in Wonderland: “Who in the world am I?  Ah, that’s the great puzzle “ He is, or should it be said, I am Ritch Taylor. He loves more music than can be contained inside his head but there are artists he dislikes absolutely. He loves all art forms but is very particular what art he lets into his home.

OK, enough of that guy, he’s not all there anyway.

Hi, I’m Ritch. I make cutting/serving boards, I make unique, I hope anyway, but functional furniture. I try to make every piece as a unique, one-of-a kind piece. Making things by the pallet load bores me. Who wants to own the same thing as your neighbor? Sure, you may love the cutting board I made for your sister, but do you really want the exact same thing? Or, would you prefer one equally as beautiful but also equally as individual?

I started taking my woodworking seriously about 7 years ago but have been working with wood for 11+ years. Before that, I was a hydraulic mechanic, a very serious reptile breeder, coached young women in the art of lacrosse for 20 years (lacrosse being the most artistic of all field sports). I have played guitar and bass in several bands but under no circumstances put a microphone in front of me. I know all the words and I am going to “sing”. But, YOU DO NOT WANT TO HEAR ME SING! And, I once even traded a rat to Tom Sawyer just so I could help him paint a fence (my one serious try at stage acting in the 6th grade, LOL). I certainly look for the spotlight but I am absolutely uncomfortable in it. I take great pride in my work but I am ill at ease in discussing it.

Hello! I am Ashley Pieper. I am a fine woodworking artist creating and raising my family in York County. My work combines period elements with contemporary visuals. Some of the inspiration behind my designs comes from the human body, the nature of the material itself, and the transformation of time on perspectives. My work often features contrast with the natural elements of different wood species and the use of dye and paint. I most enjoy the creation of sculptural elements in my designs. My ultimate mission is to create unique crafted pieces utilizing traditional techniques.