Christie Hackler

Artist Bio

My work is an amalgam of my life experiences. The pieces I create are either like shrines to my past or my hopes for the future. I use the imagery of the butterfly and the tumbleweed to convey my thoughts on life. I work in ferrous and non ferrous metals. The butterflies are usually coated in vitreous enamel which allows for very bright and saturated colors. They attach to the wall with a welded on stainless steel standoff system. My interest in butterflies stems from an experience I shared with my sons in 1996 while the monarchs were at their highest numbers and migrating through Oklahoma.  It was an Indian summer afternoon and we became engulfed in thousands of butterflies while coming home from school. It was a magical moment and the pure definition of happiness to me. It is this memory which influences my installations and my need to recreate an environment which envelopes my viewers in happiness and stirs a childlike wonder and playfulness that resides in all of us.

Artist Work

Title: Resting Ground
Category: Visual Arts
Genre: Sculpture
Description: "Resting Ground" is a cast bronze tumbleweed which is embellished with 125 enameled, steel butterflies. It is approximately 40" round and created in 2021. My work focuses on transcending the boundaries of grief. I use the imagery of the butterfly, the tumbleweed and ladders to express my thoughts and experiences.

Title: Western Psyche
Category: Visual Arts
Genre: Sculpture
Description: "Western Psyche" was commissioned by NBC Bank in Altus, Oklahoma. They wanted a sculpture of a tumbleweed to welcome their clients. This was installed in August of 2023. It has over 1,000 feet of textured and polished stainless steel tubing and is embellished with two bronze butterflies.

Title: Amongst The Switchgrass Of Oklahoma
Category: Visual Arts
Genre: Wall Installation
Description: "Amongst The Switchgrass Of Oklahoma" is a commissioned enameled steel butterfly installation created in 2022. Each piece ranges in size from ten inches to two inches. They attach to the wall with a welded on stainless steel mounting system.

Location

 73013