As local artist Heather Mattoon discusses her work, she is dynamic and passionate. A surprising talent for being self-taught, Heather’s artwork seems to have an energy that leaps off the canvas. It is full of big brush strokes, vibrant colors, and emotion.

She describes her art as a “spontaneous emotional response to events in her life.” Each painting, like a diary, is so personal that she sometimes cannot bear to hear others critique them. To look at her paintings is to look at a scrapbook of her life, and each one tells a different story. Mattoon says she feels surprised when people love the pieces that represent some of the most difficult times in her life.

As an only child, from a young age Mattoon was forced to “create her own form of entertainment,” as she describes it. She quickly grew interested in various types of art and her latent talent began to immerge. Encouraged by family and teachers, she pursued this passion and found her artistic calling as a painter in Santa Barbara.

She has created over a hundred pieces, painting anything from portraitures, abstracts, landscapes, to commissioned pieces. Each work is unique and irreplaceable, capturing her energy and passion. She starts with a blank canvas and begins playing around with colors. These colors are a key aspect to her style as she mixes her paint for a prism-like effect that is rich and multidimensional.

Mattoon is an invested member of this community and calls Santa Barbara home. She is involved in many local projects such as the Santa Barbara Mural Development at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art where she is working with children and other local artists to create the current mural on display. Inspiring young local artists to pursue their passion, just as she did, is one of her goals. She aspires to become a major player in the local art community.

On July 14, Heather was in an accident leaving her paralyzed from the bellybutton down. She is full of hope and says that the accident forces her to concentrate on her artwork because she has the ability to continue painting. She has reexamined her priorities and plans to devote herself to her incredible talent.

There will be a benefit held on November 11 at the Contemporary Arts Forum in her honor. Local wineries, restaurants, and artists are donating items to a silent auction that will benefit Heather on her road to recovery. For more information on Heather Mattoon and her artwork, go to www.heathermattoon.com