Haley Dewsnap
About the Artist
Haley Dewsnap is a mixed media artist from Rye, New Hampshire, who draws inspiration from her coastal upbringing and experiences. Whether drawing with a fine point pen or oil painting, Haley works with a range of materials and methods to achieve a common aesthetic. From vintage magazine clippings to driftwood from her local beach, Haley enjoys finding ways to incorporate materials that she is drawn to. She is passionate about writing and plays with text and design. Haley’s recent work in abstract oil painting showcases her coastal influences and ability to express deep emotions through simplified subjects. Haley has sold work at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and was awarded the Edwin and Mary Shier scholarship for four consecutive years while at the University of New Hampshire. Haley is currently pursuing a BFA at UNH, where she will graduate in the spring of 2022.
“As my work has progressed, my goal has become less about creating obvious depictions and more about creating artificial imagery that has the quality of a real space.”
Artist’s Statement
My recent work showcases my coastal influences and expression of deep emotions through simplified subjects. Working from imagination, my paintings are expressions of my mind. The ocean is my deepest inspiration. I grew up on the coast, and the ocean is the single place that brings me an instant sense of calm. Sitting on the edge of the water and looking out at the horizon makes me realize how small I am. Thinking about the vastness of the ocean helps me shrink the chaos in my life and feel grounded.
I enjoy creating small work because it has the ability to become object-like and draws the viewer in. Although I may be painting on a 4×4 block of wood, what I am portraying, if it were to exist in real life, would be something much bigger. I am fascinated by this idea.
As my work has progressed, my goal has become less about creating obvious depictions and more about creating artificial imagery that has the quality of a real space. Throughout this progression, my use of color and line, mark-making, and experimentation and layering of materials has developed as well. While my influence of the ocean and horizon line remain, this has become more complex and less obvious.
