Michael Madsen Hearts Rock
Photography
Exhibit February
2012
Fine Art Photographer Michael Madsen and Gem Collector Heidi Golden are our special guests during the month of February. Their Valentine's-themed exhibit of unique Hearts Rock Photography will be on display in our visitor center gallery. The artistic couple has hiked throughout the American Southwest and the Sonoran Desert photographing their heart-shaped rocks in creative, natural and colorful environments.
Enroll in a special Switching To Manual Photography Class with Michael Madsen here at BTA on Monday, February 27. Cost to enroll is $30 for our annual members, or $39 if you are not yet a member here at BTA. Have a credit card ready and call 520-689-2723 during daytime business hours - and read more about Arboretum photo classes.
Having a Bachelors of Science in Design from the ASU College of Architecture and a life long pursuit in photography Madsen has
developed a keen eye for composition and graphic design. His 26 year architectural background is reflected in his use of strong lines that pull viewers into original artwork that he likes to call "Natural Photography."
When I look through the lens, my artistic intent is to arrange elements into a composition that satisfies the eye," said Madsen, "whether the photo is for business or pleasure, my goal is to attract the viewer's attention."
Born of Danish parents in Lincoln City, Oregon, Madsen has traveled in Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, Jamaica and the Bahamas. In addition to living in Stockholm, Sweden, for nine years; he has also backpacked through 13 countries in Europe. Madsen has assisted teaching a dozen photography classes at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, where he is inspired by the architecture, landscape and geology of the Southwestern region which has been his home for 21 years. Having traveled, hiked and photographed throughout Arizona, Madsen is a excellent resource for discovering outdoor destinations that provide inspiring photographic possibilities.
His involvement in photography has led him to clients with similar interests in "The Natural". Madsen's artistic creativity is at it best in the highly successful photographic documentation of Heidi Golden's personal "Hearts Rock" collection. Golden often joins Madsen in the field and helps with natural design of the scenes to showcase her hearts and Madsen's talent.
Heidi Golden is a tuning fork artist and also soft tissue therapist, she was introduced to Madsen through a mutual friend on Valentine's Day 2009.
"We went to the Tucson Rock & Gem show. It was a magical day, a heart-shaped rock fell off a larger specimen (It's the rock used in the photograph "From Eden with Love" shown to the left) and landed right into Michael's hand, hmmm.... coincidence?"
"On a short hike the next morning it was clear to both Michael and I that our combined gifts, along with Mother Earth's gifts, could bring greater joy to hearts far and near and, like a ripple on the water, together we are raising the love vibration!"
"I began collecting heart-shaped rocks when I moved to Flagstaff in 1997. They really started catching my eye and attention when I was healing a broken heart, and it was then that I intentionally started collecting the heart rocks. I began working with crystals and minerals as well, I call them charmers, and a heart-shaped bead went on almost every piece. I started giving them to friends and they joyfully started telling me their heart stories and showing me their heart rocks and photos of hearts; we all were refreshed and renewed by this feeling of unity and awareness! As my collection of heart shaped rocks grew to approximately 200, I knew that I needed help to fulfill my vision of affecting as many hearts as possible!"
The Hearts Rock Fine Art Photography collection is a unique fusion of Michael's focus on the details of nature with Heidi's vision that resonates with all. Correspond with photographer Michael Madsen via email to madsen56@hotmail.com
All photos in this exhibit are available for purchase; prices range from small-framed pieces at $22 to large-framed works at $333. For other information call 480 310 2374 , or check out http://heartsrock.org/1/Home.html
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is at highway 60 milepost #223 near the historic copper mining town of Superior, a drive of about 45 minutes due East of Mesa. During February visitors are admitted from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and the Arboretum closes at 5:00 p.m. New exhibits begin each month and may be seen daily during business hours; the Arboretum is an Arizona State Park and daily admission must be paid to enter the Visitor Center where our gallery is found. Admission is $9 for adults and $4.50 for ages 5-12. Annual memberships at the Arboretum begin at $45, and include a year's access, guest passes for your friends and family, along with many other benefits. A membership may be purchased in the gift shop on the day of your visit.
Review other recent gallery shows
Bud HeissNovember-December, 2011
Mesa Art League September-October, 2011
Kim Hosey July-August, 2011
Legumes of ArizonaMay-Jun, 2011
Pima College & CACApril, 2011
Jim BurnsMarch, 2011
Kay Cummings February, 2011
Paul Kinslow January, 2011
Mesa Arts League September, 2010
Rick Cameron April , 2010
Nan
Lawrence March,
2010
Barbara AtkinsonFebruary,
2010
Nancy MatusJanuary,
2010
Barbara CoxDecember, 2009
Margaret WhittakerNovember,
2009
Artists of the SuperstitionsOctober, 2009
Marilyn Barton September, 2009
Gila Community College August,
2009
Deborah A. Lee June, 2009
Margie Porter May, 2009
Timm Chapman January, 2009
Paul Kinslow December, 2008
Maggie Leef November 2008
Sharon Sieben October 2008
Nicole
Royse September 2008
Judy
Bottler Photography May 2008
Bob Estrin Photography April 2008
Mary Isham Watercolors March 200
Susan Strom and Cathy Franklin Lightning Photography
February, 2008
Arizona State Parks Plein Air Paintings
January, 2008
Carolyn Gray & Connie Thomas December, 2007
Jean Sullivan November, 2007
Sue
Cullumber October, 2007
Adriane Grimaldi September, 2007
Mesa Arts League June-July, 2007
Fred Charlton May, 2007
Paul Mudersbach March-April, 2007
Linda Kaiser February, 2007
Edith Kreueger-Nye December, 2006 - January, 2007
Cindy Carrillo October-November, 2006
Bob Rice September, 2006
Bud Heiss July-August, 2006
Mesa Arts League June-July, 2006
Sandy Tracey April-May, 2006
CJ Rider March, 2006
Jessica Green February, 2006
Steve Davidson January, 2006
Don & Carole Schupp December, 2005
Carolyn Gray November, 2005
Martha Burgess October, 2005
Boeing Photographers September, 2005
Lightning Lady Susan Strom July/August, 2005
Mesa Arts League June/July, 2005
Jeanette Bronson May, 2005
Tom Stanley April, 2005
Kathy McClure February-March, 2005
Pam Smyth January, 2005
Tina Faust December, 2004