Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyn Hiner.
Lyn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I knew early on that creating was something I loved to do. When I was very young, I would spend hours burning through a box of crayons or a watercolor palette and construction paper creating fanciful pictures from my imagination.
In high school, I took every form of art class I could, including a drafting class. I wanted to experience it all. I was grateful I was accepted to four of the five art schools I applied for but chose Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, as the place I wanted to extend my art education. Sadly, due to unforeseen issues, I was only there one year. However, what I learned in that year helped to steer me through my subsequent journey with creating.
Off and on for the past 18 years, I was teaching young students the basics of techniques and to love art, but doing very little painting myself… until a major life event. Six years ago I was rock hunting at the beach with my daughters; a tradition I carried on from when I was a kid.
Anyway, a few hours later, one of the rocks I picked up ignited in my shorts pocket severely burning my legs and hand (it wasn’t a rock at all, but a small piece of white phosphorous). Ten days in the hospital with two major surgeries, plus a year of additional minor surgeries and occupational therapy changed the course of my life, as well as my family’s.
When the dust settled and everything seemed to be adjusting back to normal, I felt called not only to create but to make it my profession. I’ll be honest, it didn’t make sense to me to start something I hadn’t done in so long, let alone had no experience in the industry, but I couldn’t ignore what I felt. Even my husband was a little perplexed but supported me when I asked him to give me a year and let’s see where this journey goes. That was nearly five years ago.
Has it been a smooth road?
That’s a great question, but it makes me giggle! I think every artist will tell you that being a professional takes perseverance… I equate it to being a marathon runner: you cannot sprint through this race/business. It can be hard on you physically, mentally and emotionally. But I wouldn’t give it up! In the years since I started, I’ve been overwhelmed and so grateful my work resonates with people. It’s a little moody for some, but others understand the joy I am emoting. That right there is an incredible feeling!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lyn Hiner Studios – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
When I made the commitment to call myself a ‘professional artist’, I originally went back to representational work, which was familiar and comfortable. Over the first year, through experimentation and exposure to some other talented contemporaries, I developed my own style and ‘voice’ with creating. Instead of detailed work with brushes, I began incorporating multiple layers of thick acrylics using palette knives. The idea was to highlight the juxtaposition of beauty and darkness, hope in the midst of confusion and chaos. Using knives helps me to boil everything down to the essence, instead of getting mired in the details.
This led to a series of works I named “Beauty From Ashes” which is a conversation through art I had with God about my painful journey after being burned. He was present, even in my darkest moments. I’m humbled to say, that series has pieces throughout the United States and Europe. I also have Abstracts and Landscapes in private collections and most recently I’ve created a series titled “Cars” which launched after a collector commissioned me to do his car for his new office.
Growing up in Southern California, having my dad rebuild and race Porsches certainly had a powerful influence on me. So much so, that I worked for an auto racing publishing company for nearly a decade! The series was launched at the mega trade show, SEMA in Las Vegas last November, and since, I’ve sent works around the globe and finished my first commission from the series that was just shipped to Washington state.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I have to say, San Diego is one of my most favorite places! From it’s love of culture and art to the amazing food and the laidback vibe… there’s nothing to complain about, so I won’t!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lynhiner.com
- Phone: 949.338.4613
- Email: studio@lynhiner.com
- Instagram: @lynhinerart *and* @lynhinercars
- Facebook: Lyn Hiner Studios *and* Lyn Hiner CARS
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
