Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Heckman.

Hi Caroline, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Growing up, creativity was my life. I think it’s how I understood and expressed the world around me. I grew up in a small town in Illinois (approximately 1,600 people) and there wasn’t much to do in the immediate area. We had to drive 30 minutes just to get to a nice restaurant or a large grocery store. I grew up learning to appreciate the simple things and create my own world where I could.

I remember covering my body in pen and marker- pretending I was designing tattoos. I remember roaming the town with my friends, exploring the woods and fields like we were embarking on long journeys with stories to tell. I even remember attempting to write mystery novels about us and the things we imagined happening. What we didn’t have, we created. When I wasn’t outside in nature, I was inside absorbed by art. Drawing, painting, molding Play-Doh, writing, building worlds for myself. My brothers and I bonded over video games, losing hours to the worlds created for the SNES, N64, Play Station, etc. The art I consumed in movies, games, and TV combined with the art I created became a driving force in my life.

Growing up in a place with so little external stimulation allowed me to develop this imagination that I still carry with me today. When my family moved to Pennsylvania just before my teenage years, I threw myself into photography, editing, and drawing portraits. I started writing songs with my friends and creating screen recorded videos of the video games I played on the computer. I’ve always been one to blend storytelling with visuals, exploring my inner and outer world. Art classes became my favorite escape, exploring with drawing, painting, pottery, etc. I didn’t realize it was more than a hobby then. It was the foundation for the life I would build as an artist. For me creating has always been not only an instinct but also the thing that fills me with the most joy.

I’m now living in Pittsburgh pursuing my ever changing artistic goals. Within the last few years I became drawn to creating acrylic paintings that represent my inner state of being, highlighting emotions and mental health awareness. Lately, I’ve grown to love painting on clothing, elevating my personal style and directing collaborative photoshoots featuring local creatives wearing the pieces. I’ve found intense passion towards creating, directing, and curating these shoots and bringing others together to share that creative energy. I love getting to pinpoint every detail from the concept to the execution, blending all of the creative aspects I’ve learned and practiced over the years. I’m continually excited about where my practice is at and where it’s going next. I create every day, no matter what, and I hope that I’m creating a space where others feel comfortable with that sort of vulnerability within themselves.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It hasn’t always been a smooth road. There have been many struggles along the way that shaped me both as a person and as an artist. These difficulties were and still are challenging, but I view them as tools that shaped my creative practice.

One of the earliest struggles I remember is my dad leaving our family when I was around five or six. At that age I didn’t fully grasp the impact of his absence, but looking back I see how it influenced me. I buried myself in creativity not only because I wanted to, but it allowed me to cope. I’d draw portraits and immerse myself in novels of imaginary worlds, like the Magic Tree House series. What I didn’t understand, I distracted myself from through art.

When my mom, brothers, and I moved to Pennsylvania, new challenges emerged, many of them internal. I struggled with mental health issues I didn’t yet understand. Some days the weight of it all left me unable to get out of bed or go to school. At the time, I was passionate about my sports teams. I ran cross country and track, and they were blessings in disguise. I spent most of my days running, getting lost in the nature outside and maintaining my physical health. During my junior year, I developed an injury that affected me in more ways than one. I wasn’t able to run regularly, so I once again found solace in creation. I’d stay up for nights on end, lost in sketchbooks. I remember one sleepless stretch during my junior year of high school. I stayed up drawing birds in my sketchbook as I listened to the real ones chirping outside at 5 am, starting their days. Their songs felt hopeful while I navigated what I was feeling.

I HAVE to give kudos to my mom (hi mom) who was a rock through it all, juggling three kids, a full time job, and going back to college. She had her own burdens, but she still showed up for us when we needed her. During these years I had a lot of time to myself. Looking back, I see how creating became my way of processing everything around me and carving out a space of my own.

In college, things got even harder. I didn’t consider art a viable career. It never even occurred to me that it was an option. I didn’t think I was “good enough.” Instead, I studied geology, hoping for a more traditional path. I understand why I went that route. I loved the fieldwork, especially drawing maps and exploring the beauty of nature, but my mental health continued to deteriorate and I wasn’t finding passion where I thought I would. I lacked the self-awareness and discipline to seek help or focus on myself. My professors saw me struggling, and one even told me, “Don’t worry, Caroline. You’ll find your niche.” I didn’t realize it then, but those words stuck with me.

Everything changed just before my final semester when a doctor’s visit to get anxiety medication revealed swollen lymph nodes in my neck. Just over a week later, after a lot of scans, bloodwork, and testing, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It was terrifying but it was also a gift. I was forced to slow down and reevaluate my life. During treatment, I started drawing again. I drew pictures for my family, just like when I was a kid. Creativity continued to anchor me.

I’m still navigating mental health challenges and processing everything that’s happened, but I’m grateful for these struggles. You learn a lot about what you’re meant for when you’re in survival mode. These moments shaped my art and the way I view the world. Without them I wouldn’t be the artist or person I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’m a creative in all forms, primarily acrylic paint portraits, but I’ve been diving more into digital pieces and photography projects lately. The works I create emphasize various emotional states and experiences throughout my life. The last year or so I’ve been creating alien-like characters that I find myself rooted in, each having its own story and emotional state tied to it. I’d say most of my pieces are self portraits in their own right. My works are internal dialogues that aim to spark conversation about mental health and introspection with others. At the end of the day, though, creating is my ultimate therapy and the best way to express, explore, and get through each moment. I’ve been so proud of my progress in being vulnerable through my works and getting to create this space for myself and (hopefully) for others. I think my willingness to experiment and allow that vulnerability to shine through benefits that space and builds new routes for me. Everything I make is just building from what I’ve known to be true before, exploring and sometimes challenging those beliefs.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?

I recently downloaded the Finch app, which is the cutest self-care app I’ve ever had. You get a pet finch that you can dress up and go on adventures with while you track your tasks and goals. I’ve only had it for about a week but it has been SO helpful in maintaining daily habits and productivity.

One of my favorite books is “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by music producer Rick Rubin. In the book, Rubin highlights the creative process in such a beautiful way from concept to completion, inviting creatives to engage with themselves fully and authentically. For me, every time I read the book, it is a gentle reminder to stay the course, don’t pander to the audience, and remember why you create and what it means to you. I could not recommend this book more!

I love reading and the way it opens up a world of different perspectives. Other favorites of mine include “Bad Feminist: Essays” by Roxane Gay, “Louder Than Words” by Todd Henry, and “I Would Leave Me If I Could: A Collection of Poetry” by Halsey. I enjoy works that open up introspection and things I can relate to and build from.

I’m trying to get more into podcasts. I watch a lot of interviews on YouTube with musicians, actors, and actresses. I always enjoy a Zane Lowe or Rick Rubin interview. I used to watch a lot of Hot Ones as well. I prefer getting to see the body language and facial expressions in an interview, which is why I don’t think I listen to a lot of podcasts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carlwheezy.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlwheezybaby
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/carlwheezybaby
• Other: https://linktr.ee/carolineheckman?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ2UHiu86DpEAeQh1q_tN9X7uGv4LDuBMyYBjpfjeegwInj9xUj3AcYzW4_aem_88LxNykt_eLMZFJPgAMrEg