We were lucky to catch up with Hayley Rawnsley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hayley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was embracing my creative identity. I always knew I was creative, but struggled to call myself an artist—even though deep down that’s who I wanted to be. I chose to study graphic design in college because it combined creativity with business. When I graduated during the pandemic, my carefully curated plans fell apart. Everything I thought was certain was now up in the air. I felt like my world became a wilderness overnight.

I took up painting as a way to create off-screen and process the grief and loss I was facing. Little did I know it would begin a journey to fully embracing my creative identity. I started a new Instagram account to share my art and the inspiration behind it, the stories of hope despite facing the unknown. Soon I launched my online shop and started selling at art markets. The more I painted and shared my work, the more alive I felt. I knew I found my purpose.

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

I’m Hayley, artist and creator of Desert’s Blooming, an online store and platform which exists to pursue renewal through creativity. I’ve always been creating in some form throughout my life, whether it was dance, photography, writing or baking. My graphic design education honed my visual eye and introduced me to unique ways I could combine my creative passions to support entrepreneurs and businesses. I believe creativity holds a unique power to problem-solve by unifying people through story and igniting new possibilities.

My creative work combines painting and poetry to explore the theme of hope and joy in desolate seasons. I’m continually inspired by the desert because of its breath-taking beauty that thrives despite the harsh climate. For centuries, the desert has served as a sacred place for wandering souls to encounter the divine and find refreshment amidst the chaos of life. I’ve experienced this kind of renewal in recent years as I’ve turned to contemplative practices to care for my inner world. I love to use bold colors and simple geometric shapes in my art to invite people to engage in the quiet spaciousness of the desert.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was creating out of fear and perfectionism. I’ve struggled with anxiety most of my life, but I didn’t realize its impact on my creativity until a few years ago. For a long time, I used to get into cycles of performance and self-doubt. I put pressure on myself to create amazing work, hoping it would lead to the applause and belonging I longed for. My value and identity got so enmeshed with my work. Through therapy, faith and community, I started to untangle from fear and rediscover the joy of creativity. I discovered spiritual practices and healthy habits to care for my creative soul. Now, I’m able to live more fully into my creative identity and purpose, and have a passion for helping others do the same.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the way it allows me to connect with people. Art is so personal, from the emotions the artist pours into it to the feelings it evokes in the viewers. As I paint, I’m always thinking of how I can convey joy and peace to the everyone who sees it.

I never take for granted the moment when someone is touched by one of my paintings. I love sharing the heart behind my work and hearing about what it means to them. Each person is moved by something different, whether it’s the colors, subject or style. Creating art is a small way I’m able to bring a bit of hope and beauty into this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://desertsblooming.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertsblooming/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-rawnsley-775b71135/

Image Credits

Spencer Rawnsley