HEATHER HINES, PhD, LCSW

I am a clinical social worker based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I have the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families. In addition to my practice, I facilitate a climate crisis support group that helps people transform ecological grief into creativity and action through nonjudgmental witnessing.

My recent artwork draws deep inspiration from weekend hikes in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with my partner, Doug. Each hike serves as a healing experience, bringing me closer to both the stunning landscapes and the changes brought about by fire, drought, and insects. As I observe the increasing threats to our environment, my love for the natural world deepens, motivating me to capture that beauty and joy through my art.

Creating has become a vital outlet for me, allowing me to express the complex emotions tied to our warming planet. Each piece reflects not only the breathtaking scenery I encounter but also my hope that humanity will rise to meet the challenges posed by the climate crisis. I believe that art can be a powerful tool for connection and healing, inspiring others to engage with nature and consider their role in its preservation.

Dancing in the Moonlight
(Watercolor, 22” x 30”) 

I selected this piece in honor of the exhibition's theme. This image first appeared to me in a dream two years ago—a vision that now feels like my psyche urging me to return home to New Mexico, where true love awaited me.

The majestic cottonwoods along the Bosque beside the Rio Grande delight the senses with their vibrant leaves dancing in the wind. Under the glow of moonlight, these trees become a sanctuary where my heart finds solace and my imagination communes with unseen things. The cottonwoods whisper stories of the past while inviting me to dream of the future.

This piece celebrates the journey of returning home, embracing love in familiar spaces, and acknowledging the profound influence that the natural world has on our inner lives.