Torn Hearts by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson© Nancy Wojack Hendrickson

My Fine Art Process & A Show

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I have always loved to draw and paint. My creative skills have been a big part of my life from grade school art class, to in college earning a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) to just visiting art shows and museums. My creative side loves working with paints, colors and texture. After I married my husband, I also learned how to print dramatic black and white photos.  My art and creative practice holds a place for me to spend time and process many things. After the loss of my husband over a decade ago, I went back to creating my art for my own fun, joy and healing. A big part of this journey has been working with art mentors. My first mentor was Brenna Busse – she helped guide me into finding my thread, my passion, and trust my art skills again. With her help starting diving into the healing process of working with parts of my artist past and then building something new from it. These theme has resonated with me fully. The thread of family and ancestry — of pulling pieces and parts from ourselves, our past and our ancestors — and then living our lives creating something new.

Torn Hearts by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson

Torn Hearts, one of my mixed media artworks © Nancy Wojack Hendrickson

As an artist working independently, there are times when you question what you are doing and how. So when I was offered to join art mentor Deborah Foutch‘s group of artists, I jumped at the chance. Our group – nicknamed ‘The Pod’ – has ebbed and flowed but currently we have about ten of us. We meet every other month, and bring what we are working on. Ideas, comments and support is shared. It is a very helpful process. Currently, we have a exhibit here in Minneapolis. It’s been really fun to see all of our art, polished and framed and hanging side by side. It showcases how much talent is in our group!

On2 Gallery hanging the show – photo by Bill Cooper

If you are in Minneapolis this July or August, come see some of The Pod’s art along with my art and photos at the On2 Gallery in the California Building, NE Minneapolis.
Artist Reception is coming up this Saturday, July 29 from 6:00- 8:00 pm.

See details on the Facebook Event event page >

Nine Artists in Conversation gallery show

Gallery show with nine of my artist friends

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Nine Artists in Conversation –  July 8 – August 31, 2023


Gallery Reception is Saturday,  July 29 from 6 – 8 pm

I am fortunate to have found a group of diverse artists who meet every other month to share our art. Our artist group (known as ‘The Pod’) has been organized by Deborah Foutch – an artist mentor.  We give feedback and support for our artworks and creative processes.  Our leader and mentor has arranged a gallery show of our artwork in the California Building in NE Minneapolis. I am excited to have a few of my Ireland in Black and White photos, along with few of my paintings and multi-media artworks. We are having an Artist Reception on July 29 with all nine of us in attendance. We hope you can make it!


Join us for our Artist Reception: Saturday, July 29 from 6-8 pm.

There will be music and refreshments and lots of art!

On2 Gallery  / 2205 California St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Nine Artists in Conversation gallery show

There  are ‘Nine Artists in Conversation’ featured: 

Ron Duffy, Cindy Fuerstenberg, Debbie Boyles

Deborah Foutch, Nancy Wojack Hendrickson, John Stumme

Andrea Canter,  Shelia Nelson, Bill Cooper 

If you can’t make it to the Reception the California building is open 10 – 5 daily.  The show will be up from July 8 until August 31. Just head up to the second floor to see the show.

Port of Farewells getting matte for Gallery

Getting ready for a gallery show

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I am having some extra large prints framed for an upcoming exhibit. It’s so nice to be getting ready for a gallery show in November here in Minneapolis.  I am getting progress photos from my friend, who is also my framer. So excited to see these fine art prints large and in frames.  This image part of my latest series titled “Legacy”. Because of the pandemic there has not been any opportunities for me to show my photographs in person. So I am so grateful for this!

The Port of Farewells

Cobh, Cork Harbor, County Cork, Ireland 2020
(shown above)
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
Printed by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photo
Forgotten Village Road photo getting a frame by Hendrickson Fine Art

Forgotten Village Road

Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland  2020

Barry Thomas Hendrickson
Printed by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson

Port of Farewells photo by Hendrickson Fine Art Photo

The Port of Farewells

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This one is special to me because I am pretty sure my Irish ancestors who left Ireland  took this journey, they left from this Port. If you claim Irish descent, then there is a good chance that your ancestors also left Ireland through here during the famine years. It is a photo that speaks to my Irish ancestry.

Cobh – this seaport town (formerly Queenstown) on the south coast of Ireland was the departure point for around half of the six million Irish who emigrated to America, Canada and Australia since 1815. They sailed this very harbor, seeking dreams of a new life across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Port of Farewells

Cobh, Cork Harbor
County Cork, Ireland 2020

Barry Thomas Hendrickson
Printed by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson
Black and White Prints for sale by © Hendrickson Fine Art Photo

The Port of Farewells b-w photo framed

Nancy Wojack Hendrickson with Barry Hendrickson in frame

Meet Nancy Wojack Hendrickson

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Artist / Mother / Widow

I create black and white fine art photos and mixed media artworks with themes of love, loss, family and the legacy we leave behind.

Nancy W Hendrickson with Barry Hendrickson framed photo

I have been fortunate to have a group of women who supported me on my journey. Many of these women belong to the Athena Village. I am sharing my story in the Athena Village 30 women / 30 stories community project this month. Read about this inspiring group of women here. > 

No one is truly gone as the ripples they made in this world continue on forever.

 

It is universal …  we will all lose someone we love. And this year — the year of the pandemic — has been no exception. If anything it has amplified our losses even more. Yes, the grief and loss are left behind; but also so are the gifts our loved ones leave behind. The lessons learned that will never leave you. The memories and the love that will linger. Those gifts are what I want to focus on. 

 

In this midst of this past year, during a pandemic I was determined to get my personal passion project completed. I was going to print a set of black and white photographs of Ireland. The negatives were taken by my late husband on our last trip to Ireland. But he never got to print them. 

 

I love these black and white photos, because first they are from Barry Hendrickson, my husband. They hold great meaning to me because I’m passionate about honoring my Irish heritage, and these images relay that lifelong love of Ireland. They show the haunting beauty of Ireland with its’ rich and tragic past.  It parallels my own past with universal themes of love, loss and legacy. 

 

It’s been quite a journey…. So let’s back up a bit.

Barry Hendrickson was a handsome, energetic commercial photographer when I met him. We were together over 13 years. We ended up working side by side on a fine art photo business that was focused on Ireland — the land of our ancestors. We were married and had a daughter. She was one and a half years old when Barry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This lead to a tumultuous time of working, traveling and selling photos nationwide and interspersed with ailments, cancer treatments and doctors appointments. After three years and four months, Barry succumbed to cancer. 

 

Our fine art photo business selling Irish landscapes was booming, and here I was a widow with a 4 year old daughter. The “Ireland in Black & White” photography was our livelihood and main source of income. It was too difficult emotionally and physically for me alone to do all the traveling and work by myself. I knew I had to pivot and figure something new. So I looked back to my graphic design skills and became a web designer. My business of graphic and web design has sustained my daughter and I. 

 

But the images from our last trip to Ireland were never made … Barry was too sick and life too chaotic for those last three years. These images, those pieces — parts of the land of our ancestors, taken by Barry had stayed with me. I wanted to get those prints brought to life. 

 

So eight years after his death, I started this passion project. I was going to print b/w images from our last trip to Ireland together. I had learned the process of black and white printing while Barry and I worked together. I love working through the black and white print process to create emotion and depth. I personally print each carbon pigment print with the utmost attention to detail and drama. It’s a gift to be able to print from Barry’s photo archives. It’s a release and joy for me. They bring my connection to my Irish heritage and Barry to life.

 

I am learning to share my widow’s journey.  At times, I find myself hiding from a monumental grief, because my sharing my story can make others uncomfortable. But I’ve found the courage to show others that my grief is part of who I am. It is just me and my story. Because this is love and what love and loss looks like.

 

Cliffs of Moher, Forgotten Village photos by Hendrickson Fine Art

 

Back to 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, I completed ten black and white prints and labeled them the ‘Legacy Series.’ It seems fitting because I am inspired by the love of my ancestral homeland. And the love for my late husband and photographer, Barry Hendrickson. These  emotive Irish landscape photographs reflect universal themes of love, loss, family and the legacy that is left behind.

 

My plans for an in-person show were canceled due to the pandemic. So I did a release of the fine art photos on my Hendrickson Fine Art Photography website. I shared this with my friends,  fans and collectors through email and social media. I received great feedback and response, and some sales as well. It was a bittersweet accomplishment.

Rest in peace ~
In loving memory of all who have gone before.
Including my dear husband, my father and all of my ancestors.

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How can people find me:

Reach out to me. I’d love to hear if you have a moving story from someone you lost. How you continue to honor and remember them.  Perhaps you enjoy black and white photography or have an interested in Ireland. I’d love to connect>.

Legacy Series by Hendrickson Fine Art Photo

 

See the Legacy Series by Hendrickson Fine Art Photography here.> 

Or find me in the Athena Village.

The Athena Village 30|30 project is one way we can remind ourselves–and others–there is no one-size-fits-all path through life. Connection and community are ways we all can move through this uncertain, historical time with compassion, kindness, empathy, fierceness and love.

Instagram: @irelandinblackandwhite 

Facebook:  IrelandBW

Glendalough irish landscape photo by Barry Hendrickson

Captivating Glendalough

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Barry and I were just a few days into our first trip into Ireland, when we drove to Wicklow County to see Glendalough. The word Glendalough in Gaelic is Gleann Dá Loch meaning Glen of the Two Lakes, which is so fitting for this serene photograph. Not too far from this beautiful lake is the home one of Ireland’s most impressive monasteries. I found this ancient site captivating.

 

“Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.”

 

Stopping at the Visitor Centre, I truly enjoyed learning about centuries of Celtic history.  I learned ‘How The Irish Saved Civilization’ and that the monastery was founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. We explored the grounds with its stone churches, grave stones, high crosses and a middle age round tower. I found its history and natural beauty so moving. So did Barry. He spent a lot of time photographing here. This is where he photographed the well loved “Monastery” fine art photo. See it here. >   

 

All of these sites are within the Wicklow Mountains National Park.  If you wish to explore this area, there are several hiking routes or as the Irish say ‘walking’ routes throughout the park. Barry captured the Wicklow Mountains in this Irish landscape photo titled “Ruins in the Valley.”

 

“Glendalough”
County Wicklow, Ireland (shown at the top)
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Limited edition, Fine Art Photographs for your home. >

 

To see “Ruins in the Valley” visit our website IrelandinBlackandWhite.com >

To see “The Monastery” visit our website IrelandinBlackandWhite.com >

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If you would like to learn “How The Irish Saved Civilization,” read Thomas Cahill’s book. It features Glendalough Monastery and tells the story of how the Celtic monasteries preserved a culture of learning through the Dark Ages. Or another option I personally loved was hearing Liam Neeson read the audio book.   

To plan your own trip to Glendalough, visit these websites:

The Glendalough Visitor Centre >

Wicklow National Park website >

Famine Cottage, Dingle Peninsula by Barry Hendrickson @Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

Driving the Dingle Peninsula

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If I had to name one of my favorite places in Ireland, it would be hard to choose. However, the Dingle Peninsula is definitely one of my top spots. Barry and I took the road out of Dingle to travel on one of our favorite drives in Ireland — Slea Head Drive. This route circles the stunningly beautiful Dingle Peninsula. One stop along the way was this Famine Cottage.

 

Stepping inside this preserved cottage gave me a small idea of what living was like for the Irish in the mid 19th century. In such a picturesque setting, it is hard to imagine the suffering that took place during the Famine.


The Irish Potato Famine, also called The Great Hunger, devastated Ireland between 1845 and 1852. During these times, the staple diet of many poor families in Ireland was the potato. When blight devastated the potato crop, it caused massive deaths from starvation and disease. A staggering two million people died of starvation or were forced to emigrate.

 

This region of West Kerry suffered greatly due to its remoteness and poverty.  It was an introduction for me to some of the hardship that my ancestors must have endured. Life was hard and terrible enough to make them want to leave Ireland and emigrate to America.

 

I have to say I appreciate those ancestors for their tenacity and strength. Their journey and path has enabled further generations, including my family to lead much better lives. I am now so grateful for my ancestors, and their perseverance which has lead to my own prosperity. What a true gift that is.

_____

 

Famine Cottage

Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Barry Thomas Hendrickson
© Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Prints available in three sizes >

"No Irish Need Apply" by Hendrickson Fine Art Photography 2019

No Irish Need Apply

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How Soon We Forget

I usually like to spend a great amount of time working on an image before revealing it. However, I feel compelled by recent events to show the photograph here in its preliminary stage. Tacked to the wall of a pub is a sign, surrounded by currency from all parts of the world.  It states “Help Wanted – No Irish Need Apply.”
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My ancestors were Irish immigrants. They faced this kind of discrimination here in the United States. This sign would have been directed at them. The shunning of immigrants is not a new issue. This has been going on a long time.
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The Irish Potato Famine sent over a million of Irish fleeing this small country. Many of those refugees were desperately poor and suffering from starvation. My own Irish ancestors came to America during the famine years to save themselves, to find a new life.
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During those years of heavy Irish immigration (1845 – 1852) there was strong anti-Irish sentiment and many negative Irish stereotypes prevailed. Those with Irish accents or Irish names, were barred from housing and employment opportunities. Signs like this one photographed by Barry were common.
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The United States is a nation of immigrants. How soon we forget. A generation or two will go by, and we will have figured out how to fit in. We have found some comfort and gained our own stability. So perhaps, we don’t recognize in those refugees today, our own ancestors. The needs, the hopes and the dreams are the same.
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I hope this image can help us remember the past and our own ancestors,  and in doing so, find ways to help new immigrants and refugees who seek asylum here, feel welcome.  
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A sign often found in my Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood.

No Irish Need Apply

An image by Nancy Wojack Hendrickson from the photo archives of the late Barry Hendrickson.

Take a look at the No Irish Need Apply prints for sale here >
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If this subject interests you, here is some more detailed articles: 

“When America despised the Irish, the 19th Century’s Refugee Crisis.” on History.com >

 

This article gives a brief overview of the potato famine and Irish immigration. > 


“Why historians are fighting about “No Irish Need Apply” signs — and why it matters” >

The Rosses, County Donegal, Ireland by Barry Hendrickson © Hendrickson Fine Art Photography

The Ebbs and Flows

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The Rosses

(In Irish: Na Rosa)

County Donegal, Ireland

 

The inlets from the sea are fascinating for me. You see, I am from Minnesota, a land locked region situated in center of the United States. We have plenty of water, thousands of lakes and also some rivers. But we don’t have the sea. So no, we don’t have tides. High tides, low tides, none of that. So visiting Ireland, a country encircled with sea was an amazing visual treat.

 

When Barry and I were traveling in Ireland, we loved taking all of the roads that outlined the coast. This day’s journey lead us into the northwestern region of County Donegal. Suddenly we came upon a boat just siting there, alone in this vast stretch of sand. As you can see from the photograph, it was striking. Did someone forget their boat? Were they caught off guard?   

 

Tides are about coming and going, and that requires patience. Stick around and the water will come up. Eventually the sea will rise, and again your boat will be adrift on the water.  It sounds a bit like life huh? The ebbs and flows. Here and there. The before and the after.  I am still learning these lessons of patience. 

 

So wait and see … yes, this boat will soon be navigating the water again.

 

“The Rosses” – a limited edition, fine art photograph is available in three sizes.

See here for more info. >

 

Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Shows & Events

 

Tiny Gallery  – an exhibit in downtown Minneapolis

Come and see “The Rosses” up close. Four of our photos were selected to be displayed with some other fine photographers works at The Tiny Gallery at NordHaus Apartments.  More Information >

 

Celtic Junction Arts Center

The lobby of this Irish cultural center in Saint Paul is exhibiting our Hendrickson Fine Art photography. Find times and directions here >

 

Fall Art Crawl 

October 12, 13 and 14  Save these dates for the Saint Paul Art Crawl. I will be exhibiting at the Schmidt Artists Lofts in the Bottle House. 

Connor Pass, Dingle Peninsula

The View from the Pass

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Connor Pass

(In Irish: An Chonair)

Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland

 

One of the roads out of the town of Dingle leads to Connor Pass — one of the highest points in Ireland.  

 

We left early that misty morning, driving the twisting, winding road up and up into the mountains. It’s one of those roads so windy and bendy, that you are not permitted to drive it in a bus, motorhome or truck. You  will not get through. And so narrow at times you need to pull aside to let the opposite driver pass!

 

As we finally neared the highest mountain point, Barry was so excited to capture what he saw, he just grabbed his camera and jumped out of the car — leaving it and ME parked precariously on the side of this precarious road. 

In this photograph, you can see what we saw — from this height, the dramatic view, the storm clouds enveloping the mountains, and us too. I hope you enjoy the view.

 

“Connor Pass” – a limited edition, fine art photograph is available in three sizes.

See here for more info. >

 

 

Hendrickson Fine Art Photography
Summer Shows & Events

 

So, do it! Showcase on Friday, Aug 3.
–  Nancy Wojack Hendrickson is speaking about her journey in continuing her family’s legacy through photography.
More information on the So, do it! website >

 

Tiny Gallery  – an exhibit in downtown Minneapolis

Come and see “Connor Pass”  live and in person, along with other Hendrickson Fine Art photos.

The Tiny Gallery
at NordHaus Apartments
315 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
More Information >

 

Celtic Junction Arts Center

Find Hendrickson Fine Art photos on display and take in some Irish music and dance at this cultural music center in Saint Paul, MN.
Find time and directions here >