Jane Deering Gallery

'Nathan Hayden | go innocent into the forest my children'
May 3 - 30 . 2013 . Jane Deering Gallery . Santa Barbara CA
Josef Woodard's review of this exhibition appears on the "Reviews' page. Please click on that option to read the review.

"Dancing is integral to my work. I dance one hour each day. The dancing brings visions from which I synthesize my work.

Utilizing small pieces of thick paper torn into pocket-sized rectangles -- referred to as the cards -- I record my visions in the form of small ink drawings. On the back of each one, I write often-illogical expressions and statements that I hear or invent when encountering unfamiliar combinations of words that have great rhythm or elicit multiple meanings. These thoughts and snippets of conversation narrate the work and provide titles for my paintings and installations. All of my work is built out of these images and writings.

go innocent into the forest my children combines wire and yarn sculptures with hieroglyphic wall drawings, altering the gallery with forms referencing the surrounding landscape to create a site specific installation that amplifies what I refer to as the subtle psychedelia of everyday existence." NH . May 2013

Nathan Hayden received his BFA from Miami University, Ohio in 2001 and an MFA from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2009.

His very early years were spent with his family in log cabin built by his father in rural West Virginia. This was the spot he began his early exploration of drawing and woodcarving and developed an interest in the naturally occurring forms and patterns encountered while playing in the woods. Influenced by these childhood experiences, Hayden employs multiple mediums including painting on industrial felt, installations incorporating spun wool, drawing, text and dancing.

Hayden has exhibited nationally, including exhibitions at the David Shelton Gallery, Acuna-Hansen Gallery, Sam Lee Gallery, Domestic Setting and the Marine Salon, and site specific installations at the Loom, Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, Atkinson Gallery, Manhattan Beach Art Center and Hite Art Institute. He currently lives and works in Santa Barbara, California.