Today we’d like to introduce you to Adele Hendricks.
Adele, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is a blend of luck, change, and a lot of love. As a young girl, I was always wearing my favorite madras bucket hat, dreaming big. As I grew older my journey took a major turn at Kent State University, where I balanced my time between classes and the vibrant culture of the time, filled with the summer of love and anti-war protests. I joined the protests out of solidarity, and my college years became more about the different forms of love I experienced rather than academics.
From Ohio, I followed my heart to California, leaving Cleveland for its sunny shores. Here, I met visionary entrepreneurs who appreciated my unique style and spirit. California’s charm captivated me, and I eventually met my husband, Vahe.
After spending many years in the corporate world, I finally had the time to pursue my passion for art. I took on unconventional projects like the “Smile Bouquet” and “Scratch, the Psychedelic Cat.” My art reflects my emotions, and only subjects that evoke deep love in me come through in my work. This love and emotion reminds me of my younger self with that cherished magical madras bucket hat.
Has the journey been smooth for you? What challenges have you faced?
Balancing my ambitions with the constraints of time has been a major challenge. There’s so much I want to do, learn, and create, but time and energy are limited. To manage this, I prioritize my projects, schedule them, and assign them levels of importance. This helps me stay focused.
At this stage in my life, maintaining energy is crucial, which means staying active and eating well, even though it takes time. Staying focused and finishing projects is also a big challenge. My main goal now is to start and complete projects diligently.
Let’s talk about your work. What should we know about it?
Artistry is evolving rapidly with the digital age, where everyone is creating and sharing their work online. With the internet and AI enhancing creativity, the role of an artist is constantly being redefined.
Despite this, I find joy in capturing moments that deeply resonate with me. These perfect moments, although rare, drive my passion for painting. A mentor of mine, Carole Mayne, once told me, “Be your favorite artist.” This advice has become a guiding principle in my artistic journey.
My artwork is a personal expression, showcasing the most beautiful and significant parts of my life. Each painting is a tribute to the extraordinary moments that have touched me.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
As I mentioned earlier one of my favorite childhood memories involves that madras hat I loved at age nine. Despite my mother and sister’s disapproval, I couldn’t part with it. The hat seemed to spark creativity and whimsy in me and those around me.
That summer, one of my tasks was to take my baby brother, Scott, for walks in a vintage stroller. My younger sister, Joanie, often wandered off, so I created a makeshift seating arrangement for both of them in a wagon. I turned these strolls into a small business, selling water to our neighbors for a nominal fee. Although my mother ended the venture due to health concerns, the memory of that entrepreneurial summer and the magic of my madras hat remains a cherished part of my childhood.
Pricing:
- see website
Contact Info:
- Website: adelefineart.com
- Instagram: adele_hendricks
- Facebook: adele hendricks
- Youtube: adele hendricks
