Humans are inherently creative. Art has been at the center of societies since recorded history began. It’s how we communicate and process our emotions. So it’s no stretch to say that art is crucial to wellness.
Radie Steiner of Steiner Studios Art and Matt Hurdle of Matt Hurdle Fine Art work in different mediums and have different relationships with their artwork. Radie has been a photographer since she was ten, and Matt picked up his paintbrush when he retired from his corporate career.
Both artists have studio space at Circle City Industrial Complex or CCIC. The building houses over 125 artists and hosts a monthly event on the first Friday of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. People often start at Centerpoint Brewing Company or 8th Day Distillery and wander around the building with their beverages, enjoying the beautiful work.
A Journey Into Nature Photography
Radie’s photography journey began as many lifelong hobbies in Indiana do: with 4H. Once she started taking photos, she didn’t stop. Throughout the years, she entered contests. Her first significant contest victory was for Rand McNally Atlas, which started her journey in nature photography.
“I had a huge 20 by 25-foot picture of a butterfly on the side of Hotel Indigo, and it stayed there for four years,” Radie said.
Although Radie’s passion is nature photography, she’s also known around Indiana for her portraits and nature-based commissions for medical offices. One of Radie’s commissioned pieces is at Morter HealthCenter, a chiropractic clinic focused on holistic care.
“I believe that nature is healing, and if you can surround yourself with nature, you can get lost for a few moments in that art.”
Radie’s approach to portraits is different than other photographers. She relies on natural light and takes time with each subject so they feel comfortable and love the final result. “I spend 30 to 45 minutes with each person because the best way to get a decent photo is to feel comfortable, but having a camera in your face is not comfortable or intuitive.”
See more of Radie’s work at https://steinerstudiosart.com/
Turning Landscapes into Fine Art
Matt Hurdle is best known for his contemporary, atmospheric landscapes and abstract art. After retiring from a 40-year career in industrial sales, he began to dream of painting.
“I told my wife, ‘I think I’m going to start painting,’ and so I do it daily,” Matt said. His new hobby-turned-career involves waking up early to paint.
Matt dubbed his paintings intuitive landscapes, as they do not represent real places. The pieces come from Matt’s mind and instill a sense of peace, calm, and serenity in his fans. By not having a story behind each painting, he hands the narrative over to the viewer. “It draws the viewer into the emotion of the painting,” he mused.
For many people, painting is a therapeutic escape, allowing them to immerse themselves in a world of colors and textures. Learning new techniques satisfies those who choose to paint, though sometimes creative blocks turn a hobby into a hassle. Not for Matt.
“Maybe it’s because I’ve got the business background, but I have to get up and do it daily,” Matt says. His hard work has paid off because collectors across the country own his pieces, and he’s a juried Hoosier Salon and Indiana Artisan artist.
See more of Matt’s work at https://www.matthurdlefineart.com/
I believe that nature is healing.