• Artist Statement
  
  
  
     Much of the inspiration behind Cory Benhatzel’s paintings come from her childhood experiences and memories.
  
  The taxidermy she viewed at the local natural history museum, the deer skeletons she saw in her backyard, the flower gardens that her mother grew, the heavy metal music her father played, the wild birds Cory fed outside, and her beloved pet cats, all made an indelible mark on the artist. It was these early loves that created the painter and inspire the pieces she makes.
  
  
       Cory has created a majestic world where supernatural beasts are impervious to the cruelty of humanity and are guardians of the occult; holders of great secret knowledge.
  
  
       Among the symbolism that the artist employs are that of Florigography (the Victorian-era Language of Flowers), witchcraft, Satanism and Norse Paganism.