We recently connected with Eben Lee Hall and have shared our conversation below.
Eben Lee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Quite a bit of my learning came from trial and error, and a curiosity of the materials and techniques that were required for the different media. I saw pieces of art, and was curious about what it took to make them, the way the materials worked, the processes that were required to get the end result. Once I understood what I was working with and how to do it properly, then I was able to use my creativity to make art. I think the only way that I could have sped up the learning process was to be taught or instructed by someone that knew the materials and processes better than I did. Most of the time, it was just me, I may have had an instructor or professor give me a simple break down, but then I was the one that took that information and applied it and learned and grew as an artist. I think the most essential skill was my understanding and use of tools. Most art forms require the use of some sort of tool, be it hand tools or power tools, so being able to understand and use tools properly is very important for a quality finished product. There were no obstacles that stood in the way of learning more. I always had a desire to explore different media and techniques, so once I formed an interest in something, I followed it, no matter what I had to do.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I began making art as a bit of a side to my other studies. I needed an elective while taking forestry classes, and chose a ceramics studio to see how I liked it. I was immediately fascinated with clay, the making process, manipulating and firing the ware. One class turned into another, then another, then a change of major and finally to what I am trying to accomplish today. In addition to making art, I am an avid motorcyclist and very much enjoy riding and documenting my adventures around the state of Texas and beyond. Motorcycling is a great escape and the best therapist possible, also a wonderful way to connect with nature, color, and clear the mind. I started making ceramics in the mid 90’s, then took up painting around 2000. Making ceramics turned into an interest in sculpture and furniture making. I enjoyed using tools such as welders, plasma cutters, and CNC routers to create my furniture designs. I now paint, make furniture, and also run Etsy sites that sell pillows based on my paintings as well as motorcycle related t-shirts and vinyl stickers. My goal is to provide my clients with artwork and items that they will enjoy, and hopefully enhance their lives and appreciation of art and design. I want my clients to enjoy the items I make as much as I enjoy making them, and I hope that my paintings, furniture, and pillow designs enhance their homes and love of art and craft. I believe that my style and the craftsmanship of the artwork I make will let future clients see that I am as invested in making as they are collecting and I would display each and every item in my own home. I have worked very hard to finish my education and I have put countless hours into creating the various items in my collections and I am proud of the work I have done. I look forward to many more years of art making and creating unique items for my clients.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TxMA
https://ebenleehalldesigns.etsy.com/
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I believe that NFT’s have a future in our growing, digital society. We are becoming more and more digital, and a non-fungible, non-interchangeable item like an NFT can create new solutions to some of the problems we face in todays world. I myself have created 400 NFT’s by taking detailed photographs of my paintings and artworks. I believe that my paintings are even better when viewed closer as opposed to far off. These detailed shots allow the viewer to see things up close in the paintings that they might not be able to see from a distance. I think that I have a unique product because I am more interested in the fine art aspect of NFT’s and collectable art, which differs from many of the trends I see today. I believe that fine art will enter the mainstream NFT market and I hope to be a part of that.
https://opensea.io/EbenLeeHallDesigns
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I believe the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is being able to do what you love every day and to continue to grow and learn while you do it. It is certainly challenging and not the easiest career choice, but being an artist comes with the reward of seeing the enjoyment that people get from my work, and knowing that they will appreciate what I have done and will be living with it every day. Art is its own reward, it comforts us, inspires us, brings us joy and a much needed positive perspective of life. Nothing feels better than being told by someone that they love something that you have created.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ebenleehall.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/texasmotorbikeadventures/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/texasmotorbikeadventures
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/eben-lee-hall-009311/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Wwdn5fbFKFNYlE1aQDdCA?view_as=subscriber
- Other: www.texasmotorbikeadventures.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/ebenleehalldesigns?ref=shop_sugg
Image Credits
All images by Eben Lee Hall