Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hallie Rae Ward. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hallie Rae, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am choosing to be an artist because it is what I love to do and therefore I am happy. My parents always encouraged my twin brother and me to explore possibilities and to find what you are passionate about. Everything is a choice. An artist has many choices in terms of why they create the art they do, who they do or do not want to share it with, and whether or not you want to sell it. Any path is the right path, but it is good to have clarity so you can create and move forward in the way you want. Taking time to reevaluate and ask yourself questions about your happiness and what if you did something different is crucial to your growth and happiness. For me, I have asked myself questions like… Do I want a regular 9am-5pm job? How would that impact my art? What are the pros and cons?. I decided that I want to pursue my art as much as I can. Once I made that decision, then came the exploration of how to prioritize that and make it happen. First off, each person can have many chapters in their life, nothing is set in stone and therefore it is good to remember to have gratitude for the journey. Each and every career becomes a part of your lifestyle. There are pros and cons and ups and downs to all. One just has to make the choice of choosing the one that will bring them the most happiness overall.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I went to a liberal arts college, Eckerd College, and part of the curriculum was to take an art class for a credit. When I did, I discovered my love for creating, and decided that I wanted my major to be Visual Arts. My senior thesis, a solo exhibition called, “Jubilation”, was the first body of work I had ever created and resulted in being the launch to the different styles and mediums I would continue to evolve. At this time, I knew being an artist is what I wanted to pursue as a career and for life.

I create Pure Art which includes fiber, LEDs, mixed media, painting, printmaking, and poetry. My design line, HRW Designs is derived from my Pure Art through apparel, home decor, prints and cards.

I have created a number of commissioned artworks for collectors. Depending on the artwork, the process of commissioned artworks involves working with the collector to varying degrees. Sometimes the collector is very involved in the exact look, and other times collectors just let you do your thing. Either way, they chose to invest in you because they love what you create.

I am very proud that I have created and sold a great number of works and that my art is living out in the world, making a positive impact in peoples’ lives. I have had the opportunity to bring to life commissioned artworks that all came from collectors who saw and love what I do. I continue to expand my reach and places where I show and sell my artwork.

In terms of what makes me unique, I’d say the mediums and variety of artworks make me stand out. Outside of that, I have a background in athletics, business, and art which is an awesome combination. I am very personable, outgoing, and work well with others. I love connecting with people.

My art embraces jubilation, positivity, energy, affirmations, play, repetition, conceptual simplicity, the universal human connection, our relationship with nature, our inspiration from nature, and self-love and reflection. I celebrate life through the repetition of patterns and simple forms. Repeating patterns and shapes is a kind of meditation for me and the way I learn about things. Life itself is generated by repetition; the repetition of DNA, cells, and other structural elements acts as a building process for nature. I look around my personal environment and I revel in the diversity of people, and the many exciting rhythms and varied patterns I see in life and nature. Through the power of my poetry, I value conceptual simplicity and exploring reflections and thoughts.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best way for society to contribute to artists/creatives is by being involved, engaging, sharing, and, most importantly, purchasing from artists, creatives, galleries, and artisan markets. Choosing to decorate your walls with artwork and prints made by individuals either selling through a gallery or their own studio is a win, win for everyone. Collectors have the experience of enjoying, choosing, learning, connecting, and bringing home artwork that energizes their lives. A gallery continues to be open to the public, sharing art with art lovers, and exhibits and sells artists’ work so the artist can focus on creating artwork and other aspects of life. Buying artwork directly from the artist, the artist receives an increased profit margin which continues to fuel their practice and livelihood. Art creates energy and personality to the world and people’s individual spaces. Art elevates people’s minds and senses. Collectors, galleries, and artists all need each other. If you want more artists to be in your city, then have more affordable living, art studio spaces, and commercial spaces. Art does not flourish if artists and galleries cannot afford to purchase property or rent it. Just as importantly, continuing to expose all ages to art and have people experience art in different ways is how everyone will find their love for art. As with anything, making choices and being intentional with where your money, time, and energy are spent make an impact.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to come up with ideas, bring them to life, and share them with the world. It’s an incredible feeling to have a thought come to fruition through the journey of brainstorming, problem solving, putting the work in, learning, exploring, and making it happen. On top of that, for someone to want to invest in your work through collecting it because of its concept, physical form, and how it makes them feel… WOW! What a validating and exciting human experience that is unique to artists/creatives. It is a gift to pursue what you are passionate about and to enjoy the process of it. Being an artist is a lifestyle that I love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hallieraeward.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hallieraeward/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallieraewardart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallie-rae-ward-280877b6/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hallieraeward

Image Credits
Hallie Rae Ward