We were lucky to catch up with Harmony Campbell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Harmony, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve always had an interest in art and photography from an early age. It wasn’t until my mid 20s after experiencing some hard life experiences that I started to experiment with things that brought me joy. Most people in their 20s are trying to figure out WHO they are and I was definitely on that journey in life while being a young mom and found that I was drawn to and fascinated with all forms of art . So , I picked up a paint brush and just started painting. I had no idea what I was doing at first but what I did know is that it made me feel free . There are no rules , no wrong or right way to do it , just pure uninhibited freedom to express yourself. I was working a full time office job at the time to “pay the bills’ so I did find it difficult to dedicate the time needed to grow in the field of my true passion . In 2020, I made the huge ,scary leap to leave the business world and dedicate all my time to my craft. If I could go back in time, I would have done this much sooner . Of course , as an artist and photographer , I still went through bumps along the road , questioning if I made the right decision but in the end the answer was always YES ! It took alot of confidence and marketing which included going to my first art market to sell my art work and booking my first wedding as a photographer . I’ve learned since then that it’s all about having determination and confidence to succeed . This was an outlet to express myself so I found myself painting all hours of the night , transitioning from acrylic , oil paint, and resin. After MANY experiments gone wrong , I found that with more practice and risks , it improved my art in so many ways. Photography was always something I’ve done as a hobby but if wasn’t until this same time that I realized I have a different artistic approach to capturing images . One of the boost rewarding things I’ve heard from a photography client was ” I have self image issues and you found the beauty in me and was able to capture it in such a way that I was able to see myself the way you did through your lense ” and that has been my motivation at every photography session. I want to capture the unique beauty in every person while also creating images that reflect individual stories in an artistic way and I feel like my photography has improved tremendously in the last 4 years. Starting my own business in the field of both painting and photography has been such a roller coaster but one that has given me so much happiness being able to do what I love everyday while also bringing joy to other people through my work.

Harmony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello friends, I’m Harmony ! was born and raised in Harlingen Texas and moved to my current home here in San Antonio , TX at the age of 14. I was raised by the most amazing and supportive parents I could ever ask for who encouraged my passions and nurtured my creativity and I have a younger brother who is now proudly serving our country in the military . As a young woman , I became a mom to two handsome boys (who are now teenagers) and they have taught be so much and have been the biggest blessings in my life . Office jobs always paid the bills but I knew in my heart that I had so much more to offer the world through art . I finally left the corporate office job and started my own business in both photography and art(painting). It’s been a wild , bumpy, rewarding ride that I wouldn’t change.

My ultimate goal as a photographer is to learn your story whether its a couple , family , wedding or portrait session , then capture images that reflect each unique personality in an artistic way that tells your story in a series of photos. I want to create a connection with my clients to make them comfortable in their skin and guide with prompts and games that show raw emotion rather than stiff poses or forcing uncomfortable smiles . I have improved my craft over the years and have a unique eye and perspective and love for people and adventures . Thinking outside the box is an understatement , as most of my clients know, I will climb trees , wade through questionable bodies of water with my camera and encourage people to be comfortable and completely uninhibitedly themselves.

As an artist/painter , I specialize in resin art making custom geode wall paintings, tables , coasters and everything in between to match your home . Painting has become such a beautiful form of expressing myself which is why my business name became “Messy Expressions”. I want to create beautiful art customized for each individual person and its the most rewarding experience to see my work hanging in homes or businesses. I want my art to add beauty and make people feel something . I’ve started an etsy shop and regularly sell my art at markets in San Antonio and Austin and have no doubt that my business is growing and becoming such a rewarding experience.

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

I think supporting local artists and creatives can come in so many different forms . Many artists have a thriving passion to make their community a better place through their artwork , myself included. Without art , your city would probably be lacking the beauty and life that exists in it . Everyone’s taste In art is unique and differs ., Its so easy to go to large corporations online to shop for art because it’s just a click away but attending local art events in your community can go such a long way for creatives and artists who are pouring their heart and soul into every original work of art. Supporting your local art community can show you firsthand, what the artists around you are accomplishing . Even the act of sharing their work on social media makes a world of difference and brings larger audiences to creatives , especially the ones that are just getting started . If you see art that you love, don’t hesitate to share it online . It may seem like a small gesture but can make a HUGE difference for small businesses.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Personally , the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer and artist , is creating something beautiful for someone that will bring them joy for years to come . Whether that means a decorative piece of art in your home or delivering images of you or your family, wedding etc. for generations to come . Life is unpredictable , chaotic and everyone’s on a different journey so adding a touch of beauty goes a long way.

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