Nancy J. Haver Artist in Resident 2014

Nancy Haver

Nancy Haver

I've been captivated by the printing process since my childhood, when I watched and helped my father develop black and white photographs. Still drawn to the intense contrasts and pattern typical of woodcut and wood engraving, I enjoy employing these media, and also exploring how medium affects an image–by using woodcut, paint, graphite to depict a single subject. There are endless aspects of my subjects to be revealed, and it is a challenge that intrigues me. With childhood trips to the national and state parks, early on I was inspired by glimpses of grand landscapes and their inhabitants, which led me to study wildlife biology. I'm trained as a naturalist and also hold an M.F.A. degree in printmaking from the University of Massachusetts. I've exhibited my drawings and wood engravings throughout New England and have taught drawing, illustration, and relief printmaking at the University of Massachusetts and Holyoke Community College.

Website: www.nancyhaver.com

 

Blue Mesa, watercolor by Nancy Haver

Nancy Haver

My residency at Petrified Forest National Park was in everyway invigorating. It served to ignite my already strong interest in the naturalworld as subject matter, and my enthusiasm for our parks as places to grow andto learn. It was wonderful to have the privilege of staying within the park andto have the opportunity to make repeated visits to sites at different times ofday, along with the chance to see more creatures and become familiar with theplant life.

When I focus on a subject, I do so for years;I know I willreturn to the park again and again for subject matter. My visit fueled my "ideafactory," and I feel inspired to pursue a number of projects related to thepark. It was especially inspiring to see the devotion of rangers, volunteersand other employees of the park and to once again consider the ways the flora,fauna, geology, cultural history, and archeology of a place can be introducedand made meaningful to the visiting public. I find that my friends and acquaintanceshere in Massachusetts are eager to hear about the Petrified Forest, anxious tosee images of it, and are intrigued by the existence of AIR programs in theparks. Thank you to all who have worked to make these experiences possible andfor your support of the AIR Program.--Nancy Haver

 

Junipers below the Painted Desert Inn by Nancy Haver

Nancy Haver