Heather Duris, an artist residing in Lawrence, KS for nearly two decades, originally hails from Independence, MO. Her artistic journey began in the Army Reserves as a Multimedia Illustrator from 1996-1999, leading her to a BA in Administration of Justice from UMKC in 1999. Following four years of active duty as a Chemical Officer in the US Army, Heather settled in Lawrence in 2003, pursuing her passion for art at KU and earning a BFA in Painting with a Minor in Art History in 2007. Married to Zdenko, she is a mother of two daughters, working from her home studio where she creates jewelry, paintings, and prints.
Since 2014, Heather has been crafting personalized jewelry, showcasing her pieces on Etsy, as well as at the Phoenix Gallery in downtown Lawrence and Cat and Nine Bells in Beloit, Wisconsin. Specializing in sterling silver, she designs rings, pendants, and hand-stamped charms under her Etsy shops Hip Mom Jewelry and Sporty Girl Jewelry. While jewelry-making fulfills her hands-on creativity, Heather's true passion lies in painting. Her artwork often revolves around abstract Kansas landscapes, drawing inspiration from the serene beauty of the prairie.
Heather's paintings reflect the colors and essence of the Kansas landscape, aiming to evoke nostalgia and a sense of connection to the land. Employing a color palette inspired by the surroundings, she incorporates lines, contrasts, and harmony to create compositions that capture the essence of the prairie. Geometric lines of farmlands and meandering creek beds serve as the foundation for layers of color and shape, culminating in abstract landscapes that resonate with memories of the ancient prairie. As Aldo Leopold once said, "When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect."
For those looking to bring a touch of the Kansas prairie into their homes or offices, Heather's prints are a perfect choice for adding a sense of nostalgia and connection to the land. Purchase her artwork today to infuse your space with the beauty and tranquility of the ancient prairie.