ANCHORAGE - Marieke Heatwole is a junk metal junky who spends her time turning scraps into sculptures.
“I see really big, but I understand not everyone can house big. So I've tried to develop a line of gallery work, wall hangings and things that can go in people's homes,” said Heatwole.
Her more affordable and approachable raven wall hangings are already a hit with locals. She says everyone she’s made so far has gone to a good home.
While you might not recognize her name or her face, Anchorage residents are sure to know her work. She’s the artist behind the iconic Snow City Café sign and fork and spoon door handles.
“That was one of my first jobs and it was simultaneous with my first First Friday art show so that's near and dear to my heart.”
Heatwole says she’s proud to be an Alaskan artist and is thankful her kind of work can’t be outsourced.
“I can bring a local flare to metal art that can't be found anywhere else. Fortunately people aren't going to import the work I do; it's too heavy and too expensive. So in that way it's sort of a captive audience.”
While she says she can’t make a living off her art just yet, she plans to keep doing what she loves and hopes it pays off.
You can find Heatwole’s raven wall hangings at the Midnight Sun Brewing Company and Sevigny Studio in downtown Anchorage.
