Collage Groupings was part of the solo exhibition “The Space Between Us” by John Heintzman at the Peoria Art Guild. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

NICHOLE GRONVOLD ROLLER

Turn on photocopy machine, open lid, select copy on the home screen, scan with nothing on the glass plate and accumulate sheets of grainy black paper with heavy toner. Cut, tape, tear and glue paper. Repeat or mix up the order with endless compositional possibilities.

Embracing the concept of less is more, John Heintzman’s recent solo exhibition “The Space Between Us” at the Peoria Art Guild, curated by Ann E Coulter and Jeff Heintzman, exemplifies the power of visual language.

Heintzman creates works with accessible, everyday materials making the ordinary, extraordinary. “The Space Between Us” consists predominantly of works on paper — collage, and monotypes. The artist has worked exclusively with his torn paper series for the past two years, except for a grouping of wall sculptures that incorporate bond paper and discarded wood.

Beginning with simple permutations, Heintzman’s works on paper have evolved into complex arrangements that include curved and intersecting lines stressing the line’s physicality. The display of photostatic sheets occupies a space of interpretation and perceptual exploration with an abundant expression.

Although one may easily categorize the moderate, pared-down artwork by Heintzman as being Minimalist, upon closer consideration, the spontaneity and gestural quality of the marks left by the torn edges lean toward Abstract Expressionism. Heintzman agrees.

“Everything that involves art begins with an initial mark, even if it is charcoal on a piece of wood or stone, or if you’re going make the first chisel mark — whatever it is — it is a mark. So every day, I commit myself to making a mark. Sometimes it is writing a word that has nothing to do with anything, but it is a mark meant with intention and expression.”

Primarily working with black and white colors, Heintzman attributes his attraction to an achromatic palette to his printmaking background while attending the University of Iowa. Heintzman recalls that students were required to make their printmaking ink and often stored the taffy textured medium in margarine containers. “The ink could only be black … we had to sneak in color ink,” Heintzman laughed.

John Heintzman stands in front of his work at the Peoria Art Guild. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Heintzman also reminisces about the benefits of having easy access to the Stanley Museum of Art at the University of Iowa, notably when the museum premiered major works from Motherwell’s “Open” series.

Wanting to be an artist since the age of 10, Heintzman attributes his early art experiences as influential in molding his work ethic and approach to his daily studio practice.

Typically working with a series until all possibilities are exhausted, the artist reflects that while creating, “I don’t know why I made this or where it started, but something from my history says this will work, and that is also when I know it is time to stop.”

Heintzman, known in the Peoria art community as a prominent figure for his volunteerism, servitude as an educator, art director, and curatorial advisor, took a refreshing role as the artist.

The “Space Between Us” is a visual contribution of undulating abstract compositions, highlighting the artist’s mastery of displaying less is unequivocally more.