The Collectionists: Heidi Dauphin & Laura Spalding Best

In 2024, Heidi Dauphin and Laura Spalding Best were paired up to create an installation for Artlink’s Annual Gala at the Phoenix Art Museum. The two initially were uncertain how their practices would mesh as Dauphin is a mixed media/ceramic artist while Best is best known for her found object paintings and murals. However, after their first meeting, they formed an instant connection and friendship. Their conversations lasted for hours, discussing their individual practices. Among the many commonalities between both of their work was their desires to collect objects whether it be personal everyday items or found objects. Each of their collections were immense. Dauphin has an entire room dedicated to items she has saved over the years to use in her artwork while Best’s house has what she deems as, “paintings in waiting” tucked away throughout her house. Both realized that they wanted to peel back the curtain of their artistic practice and share their collection of objects but how? That… View Source