Heather Lang-Cassera

 

Driven by curiosity, juxtaposition is the backbone of my creative practice. From natural history to popular culture—from the hard science of paleontology to the fantastical worlds of childhood daydreams—the Southwest is steeped in dinosaur lore. These larger-than-life ancient faunae are grounded in reality, yet they leave room for infinite wonder. Known only through fragments of bones and footprints, they remain profoundly mysterious, inviting us to lean into our imaginations. My triptych, crafted with acrylic paint, evokes the youthful imagery through which we first encounter the brontosaurus, tyrannosaurus rex, and triceratops. In contrast, through oxide-washed ceramic tiles, my single-panel contribution pays a bit more homage to the thrill of unearthing fossils—while still imbued with sparkle!