Artist Statement

My work is an exploration of place and the feelings it evokes. Growing up in the American West, I have always been deeply interested in history and the connection between self and our surroundings. Through collage, I reimagine spaces to explore the landscapes I want to visit, and the ones I already love.

Whether I am pulling from a vintage LIFE magazine, an old photography book, or a freebie travel pamphlet snagged at a roadside truck stop, I use these fragments to build windows into magical, sometimes nostalgic worlds. When I am backpacking or fly fishing, I love the feeling of being small and completely awed by nature. That is the exact feeling I channel into my work. My hope is that these pieces bring a sense of whimsy to your home, spark your curiosity, and allow you to see yourself reflected in these imagined landscapes.

Artist Bio

Whitney Van Cleave is a Denver-based mixed-media artist who pieces together history, nature, and memory. A lifelong bibliophile and dedicated thrifter, Whitney’s creative well is stocked with a meticulously curated archive of vintage ephemera, scientific field guides, and transient travel magazines.

Her creative process is highly intuitive. Sometimes a piece is sparked by a single photograph and comes together effortlessly; other times, a composition will sit for years until the right fragments finally speak to one another. While her early works relied on dry techniques and image transfers, her current practice utilizes gel and acrylic mediums to seamlessly meld paper into fine art on watercolor paper and wood.

When she isn’t slicing up vintage books or working in her studio (aka her kitchen table), Whitney can be found fly fishing wherever she can or exploring the backcountry, chasing the awe-inspiring moments that fuel her art.