About Heidi

Heidi Phelps is a Washington, DC-based artist, screen printer, and creator of the Black Violet Tarot deck, published worldwide by Rockpool Publishing in Australia. Her practice spans painting, screen printing, and mixed media compositions, often exploring themes of grief, healing, feminism, and self-discovery. Her work is rooted in a fascination with symbolism, Victorian floriography, and the intersection of light and dark.

Heidi’s paintings and prints explore narratives of women from both life and lore—finding magic in ordinary moments and uncovering everyday truths within myths and legends. Through intricate linework, careful consideration of positive and negative space, and a minimalist aesthetic punctuated by bursts of color, Heidi immerses herself in an interplay of visual contrasts. This seemingly simple approach to depicting women’s stories offers a subtle commentary on the undervaluation of "women’s work" throughout history. In doing so, her work sheds light on the essential yet often overlooked contributions of women to sustaining life, community, and livelihood.

In addition to her artistic practice, Heidi is committed to activism and often donates proceeds from her art to support organizations focused on women's rights, reproductive freedom, and social justice. She has exhibited her work in galleries across the United States and her art is archived by the Smithsonian Institution. Heidi continues to create, teach, and advocate for a world where art serves as a tool for healing, reflection, and empowerment.

To learn more, download Heidi’s Artist CV.