As a lifelong traveler, enthusiastic social butterfly, and committed people-watcher, Austin Heerema has always been inspired by unique individuals. The way people interact with each other, both physically and emotionally, has naturally driven much of his art. For the queer community in particular, non-verbal communication holds vital historical and social importance. Through the mediums of sculpture and paint, he attempts to capture the relationship between emotion and body, and the subtle joy and pain of physical expression and interpersonal communication. Austin is currently based in Chicago, but is also influenced by his experiences growing up in Las Vegas.