Heiser, Monica. Immersed. Acrylic on canvas. 36″ x 24″

It’s curious to me how water both reflects and distorts light. In watching swimmers, and because the subjects’ faces are masked, we are naturally more curious about both the experiences: Are they enjoying being under the water? What is it like under there? Who are they? How do I feel as I witness another swimming under water? To me these questions and imagery connect with the simulaneous joy and unknowability of the non-dual and non-self nature of direct experience that I also explore in my practice of Buddhist meditation. The color variations, texture, and broad, painterly strokes seek to convey the dreaminess of water that intrigues and entices the viewer to get lost in their color and shape. The intention is for the water to pull the viewer into the work and also convey a similar wavy, dreamlike, pleasant experience of submerging below the surface. I am also exploring non-duality, immateriality, immersion, and direct experience in my artworks and am inspired by how these themes have throughout art history frequently called to artists to explore in their immediate experience in various mediums. The work is about looking into the void and exploring the actual and symbolic surface texture of experience on both personal and literal universal levels. I want to engage the viewer so they are encouraged and supported to examine and imagine their own experience with self-awareness. I utilize a collage of frames and perspectives that forces the viewer to reconsider their local relative and ultimate location and identity in space and time.

Spring is an understated season. The allergies are painful, it’s still chilly, and it rains way more than winter. But the magic of the spontaneous eruption of flowers all over Baltimore is too gorgeous to ignore. This painting is simply a manifestation of the wonder of the hillside of daffodils blooming over Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. As a March-blooming yellow flower, the daffodil symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, hope, joy, and good luck, since it is one of the first flowers we see marking the end of winter. This painting is a celebration of beauty and the hope in Baltimore.

Heiser, Monica. The Time is Now. Acrylic. 30" x 30"

The intersection of spirituality, specifically Buddhism, and art is an integral part of my work. Both prioritize the subjective experience of reality, while trying to understand and communicate the ineffable truth of reality. Psychedelic and surreal visual language allows the viewer to suspend disbelief and be transported into an experience in time. 

Heiser, Monica. Stars in Heaven. Acrylic. 2'x3'

From left to right: (Backrow) Tamir Rice, John Crawford III, Eric Gardner,Tanisha Anderson, Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray (Center) Walter Scott (Front Row)Gabriella Nevarez, Michael Brown.

The brutal dehumanization of black and brown folks has been at the center of America's founding and continues to this day with police brutality. This painting was painted in 2015 during the Baltimore Uprising. Unable to contain the emotions of rage, sadness, and grief, this painting is an homage to the innocent people who were taken too soon by the police. Many of the figures made national headlines for their death, while others went unnoticed. I see art as both a weapon and opportunity for dialogue with the aim for social change.