Background and Education

Photography and art for Heather Kallhoff is as natural and necessary to her as breathing. Primarily a self-taught photographer and silversmith, Heather dedicates at least a portion of each day to creating art in her home studio surrounded by inspirational works from other incredible artists.

As an award-winning photographer, Heather has been photographing and creating art for over 20 years. The art she creates is typically expressionistic, sometimes abstract, and reflects her own unique interpretation of our world.  Her accolades include state and national titles, as well as international awards. Heather has worked PPA Conventions as a speaker; working with many of her artist peers on creativity and photography. “I am and always will be about the story, I’m thrilled when it speaks to the viewer."

The need to explore different mediums of art found Heather challenging herself in a new medium: metalsmithing/silversmithing. As a lifelong learner, Heather has studied with several silver artists in the past year; each adding to her wheelhouse of interests, techniques and inspiration. Those experiences are that which Heather admires and values, crediting them with the push, drive and desire to continue to grow.

Inspiration and Philosophy

She loves beautiful, simple, organic jewelry; the one of a kind wearable art pieces that are lovingly made by hand, from an artist. Her pieces are rustic at times; heavily focused on metals and found materials, blended in a mixed media manner incorporating hand forged metal working techniques. The designs are inspired by nature and the lush shades that are found within it. Her jewelry is beautifully imperfect reflecting life: “We all have some dings- some wear- having experienced some ‘denting’ moments, but in the end, we withstand and we are beautiful and strong.” Her designs focus heavily on metals: copper/brass/aluminum and fine silver. They are hammered, forged, torched and patina’d. She is drawn to the rich earthy tones of the metal, the shimmer of the glass, the weathered softness of the leather and the interplay they have when combined.

Her hope is that you will find the piece that speaks to your heart and when worn, and you will be reminded of your strength, your ability to withstand, and be reminded to always follow your heart.

“Oh my darling it’s true, beautiful things have dents and scratches too.”  ~Anonymous