Life and Work with Hilary Heart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilary Heart.

Hilary, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I create original geometric artwork on wood. I love the juxtaposition of hard-lines and vibrant colors against the natural tones and textures of the wood. This past November, I held my first solo art show at Sanctuary by Cha in San Clemente with 14 pieces of my work. It was one of my proudest moments to date! Recently, in addition to my wall decor, I have branched out to create wearable art. I have continued to hand-paint wood, but in the form of wooden bracelets. It has been a wonderful way to combine my love of art and fashion, wear my inner creativity on the outside and make owning my art more accessible.

Ironically, my career did not start in the art world but in the field of journalism. After graduating from U.C. Berkeley, I spent a decade doing everything from writing my own column for my hometown newspaper and freelancing at magazines throughout Orange County to working at Conde Nast Publications in Los Angeles and eventually getting a staff position at the Orange County Register. Often times, I also took the photos to accompany my articles. So, when I wanted to create platform to showcase my artwork and inspiration, Instagram seemed like the perfect place to start!

Unlike the jobs of my past, where I had to write about the topics dictated by my editors, my Instagram could be like the magazine of my dreams! My vision was to take photos and write about my love of art, both past and present. I’d include my fashion inspiration and share my own one-of-a-kind artwork. To honor iconic artists and creatives, I’d post portraits of them on their birthdays and tag the respective artists. I planned to provide followers with a bright pop of color, share fun facts, and offer connecting details about myself and my art adventures. Simply put, to use everything I had learned in my journalism career to showcase the art, style and inspiration that makes me happy!

Has it been a smooth road?
Everything I have ever accomplished has been because I didn’t give up! Gaining an Instagram following and growing a business online can feel like a long-shot sometimes and it isn’t always easy to “put yourself out there”. At the beginning of @hilary.heart, I felt embarrassed taking photos in front of murals and paintings in public, posting the artwork (that I had never showed a soul), sharing my inner thoughts and posting pictures of myself for anyone to see. But, I believe that this is how I can truly connect to others! That’s why I constantly say #followyourheart. Do you what’s in your heart and you will get to where you are meant to be. So, I am following my heart and feeling less and less self-conscious about it which has been really empowering. The digital world can feel a little overwhelming at times but it is a great opportunity for creative woman, of any age, to get their voice out there without needing approval from anyone. But, it is up to you to have the drive and the tenacity to NOT GIVE UP, keep evolving and moving forward!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hilary Heart Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In the whole wide world, there is only one of me. As an artist, only I can create the art that comes from my unique combination of imagination, influences and experiences. I love color, each shade enhances my mood in differing ways and I like to use color palettes that can both brighten and coordinate within a space. But as an artist that works with wood, it isn’t very common to use bold colors, geometric shapes and patterns. Many woodworking artists make bohemian, desert inspired pieces and leave the wood in an array of natural tones. I absolutely adore this trend, but it just doesn’t feel like a Hilary Heart piece until I add some color. I like to think of it like this: wood has soul, color has energy and only together is it me! I also pride myself on creating patterns that take a bit of time to look at and figure out how it all connects. Even if my pieces seem spontaneous, there is a symmetry to them that I believe creates a peace and calm to my work.

I cannot turn out my art quickly. Between the woodworking and the intricate patterns, my pieces take time. In order to have some instant gratification in-between projects, I make my hand-painted wood bracelets and visit murals/paintings of artists I admire. I share these art experiences and the journey with my own art on my Instagram @hilary.heart. When I take a photo with a work of art, I want to do the artwork justice. I try to dress in a way that compliments the artist’s vision. My bracelets are a big part of that for me! I couldn’t find bright pops of color and bold patterns for my wrists, so I made them! Now, If I’m going to a mural that is yellow and black, I can wear bracelets that tie those colors together. My Hilary Heart bracelets are the art I take with me wherever I go and enable me to honor the artists who inspire me.

Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I think one of the hardest parts about being a woman, in most any industry, is a large amount of time it takes away from your career to raise a child. Statistically, this responsibility is often predominately held by women. Women who want to have children but need to sacrifice professionally in order to be there for them. I took a big break from my career due to pregnancy, maternity leave and then staying home to raise my child. It’s harder to re-break into a career, then keep it going once it’s on a roll. I lost some things professionally when I gained a child personally. It was absolutely worth it! But it is an obstacle, that I and many other women, have to overcome. We have to figure out new and inventive ways to bounce back after time away from our careers and usually while still balancing the home life we have built and value. I try to keep in mind that with every obstacle there is an opportunity. I am using this time in my life as an opportunity, to happily raise my child, enjoy art together and build Hilary Heart artwork & bracelets into a booming business!

Pricing:

• Artwork: $220-$1200
• Bracelets: $20-$25

Contact Info:

• Email: hilaryheartart@gmail.com
• Instagram: hilary.heart

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