My practice is rooted in the curiosity of and the connection to nature. I find myself most inspired by the conversation nature facilitates amongst us and within us. It provides information on design, color and space; inviting us to notice. Although there are no hidden agendas with nature, it imparts an underlying sense of transcendence and mystery in subtle nuances that captivate my attention.
A good day in the studio is full of physical labor + use of multiple senses + curiosity. I have found wood and paper to be at the core of my creativity, each facilitating a unique starting point and thus building the foundation of my work in various ways. Each material plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the work that is to follow.
The lightness of paper and the solidity of wood foster different creatively driven outcomes, yet they remain equally profound. Whether I’m shaping greenwood with a drawknife or pulling a sheet of cotton paper from pulp, I discover that working with both mediums fosters an intimate connection between source and form. Turning that intimacy, between source and form, into something flowing, conversational and observable are always part of my artistic philosophy.
It is my hope that the works I produce, can provide an inquisitive moment between the viewer and the materials.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Denise M. Gonzalez, a multi-disciplinary artist, currently uses wood and paper to express her inspirations, stemming from her connection to the natural world.
Prior to becoming a practicing Artist, she worked in the Capital Markets as a Trader of instruments such as Foreign Exchange and Bonds; facilitating the flow of capital, issuing securities and managing risk. In 2018, she found her path into the Arts after enrolling in a Printmaking class at Oxbow School of Art. The class ignited an earnest endeavor into 2D and 3D art forms.
Denise is grateful to have studied with various masters in their creative mediums as well as at the following:
Oxbow School of Arts and Artists Residency – Saugatuck, MI
College for Creative Studies – Detroit, MI
Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute – Adrian, MI
Hook Pottery Paper – La Porte, IN
Tiller International – Scotts, MI
Michigan Folk School – Ann Arbor, MI
Denise has been a part of several group exhibitions, as well as having her first solo exhibition at the community-based Northville Art house in Michigan in January 2025. The exhibition, Fields: Color and Fiber, showcased her artwork using her handmade papers.