Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hailey Gearo-Chang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hailey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

It was the end of 2019 I was working a job I hated. I was drained, frustrated, and unfulfilled. And just a month later Covid happened. After seeing that nothing was truly stable I took a leap and decided to pursue painting as a career.

Hailey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Hailey Gearo-Chang and I’m and abstract expressionist that dips into surrealism. I’v always had a deep love for the arts and have found myself connected to creation. As a young person anything I could get my hands on was my medium, but in high school I was introduced to acrylic paint. And I’v been in love ever since. Over the years my style has evolved from graffiti inspired, female form, nature, and now abstracted form with cloud elements. I create dreamscapes that depict my internal world, storytelling of my own mental health and the struggles that come along with it. Treating my canvas like my diary I spill out all my venom and turn my pain into something beautiful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, there is a mission or goal driving my creative journey. I am chasing freedom. Freedom for myself and others. I want to not only let others who experience the world in a similar way to me, know they are not alone. But I also want to create safe space for uncomfortable honest conversations around mental health. About 20% of the Americas population experiences mental illness. This is about 50 million people. And that’s only those who have been medically diagnosed. Now let’s think of those who don’t have access to those tests or care, and what communities that would most often be affected. I want to create sanctuary for all those deeply emotional people to connect and find community amongst other kindred spirits.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist goes hand in hand with my mission. Connecting. Getting to see people resonate with my message and storytelling brings me so much joy. To be seen and have others feel seen in what I’m doing in so validating. When people read my artist statement and smile to themselves, shed a tear, or sigh in relief. I know I’m on the right path. That I am doing exactly what I should be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.divinedisasters.com/
• Instagram: @hailey_gearo
• Facebook: @haileygearo
• Youtube: @haileygearo2448