Introducing the Artist

About the artist, Theo Heartist

Theo Heartist is the genius/pseudonym who is helping me release my inner artist and creative potential.

Theo’s character and personality is still a mystery to me, though I hope to get to know him more intimately as we work together. His sense of humor is incredible. Theo has the innate ability to get away with much more than I could ever hope to. Without a doubt, Theo is bolder than I am.

Theo is experimenting with a variety of media and art forms. I could list many of Theo’s talents, but Theo prefers the element of surprise and would like to remain unboxed.

Latest thoughts

Old Piano
An old piano, weathered and seemingly abandoned, evokes memories of the artist’s Sofa Safari series. Capturing a moment in the journey of this lost soul, the photograph is part of the Ashburton Society of Arts’ 61st Annual Exhibition at the Ashburton Art Gallery from July 7 to August 1, 2025.
Pulling strings (triptych)
The embroidery triptych “Pulling Strings” explores the dynamics between cats and their owners, questioning control and influence. It reflects on the idea that while owners believe they manage their pets, cats may have trained their humans instead. The work will be exhibited at the Ashburton Society of Arts from July 7 to August 1, 2025.
Five pieces in the All Fired Up Exhibition
The Hakatere Ceramics and Pottery Group’s annual exhibition is currently on at the ASA Short St Studio and I have five pieces in the exhibition.

Current work

Prospective

Theo is currently working on our initial collection/exhibition, a prospective of our future work. Partly inspired by viewing an artist friend’s retrospective exhibition looking back on 25 years of his work. And partly as a desire for a career change, Theo’s cheeky creativity will show the world what they can look forward to from us.

Hart Istory

Theo is doing an informal study of art history and stealing art, techniques, and ideas from great artists. His work in this collection includes 40 Most Mentioned, Ten to talk about in hushed tones and Virgin and Child #1.

The Land of Confusion

Another collection Theo is working on is a series of geographical artworks. Some of these portray feelings of place and displacement like Small Worlds while others highlight non-unique place names such as Thirty Seven Woodvilles, Fifteen Hastings and North & South.