We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Heather Haynes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

When I dedicated myself to being an artist full time, I was 25 years old. I had studied 4 years in fine arts at McMaster University (2 electives short of my honours degree) and had played around in the craft/makers world and market for 2 years sewing and marketing “Hats by Heather”. I was ready to see where my fine art would lead me. My husband had a secure job and we decided if I was to make an art career work, I would need to get started now as I had the feeling it would take me ten years to develop my artistic style. I committed myself to this career and my Motto was “No plan B”. I was realistic in my pricing and in the time I could spend pursuing my path while juggling the birth of two baby boys.

During the first 10 years I illustrated and co-published two children books while running my own bi-annual art shows in Kingston and Toronto. This helped me build up my clients and my skills. Exactly ten years later I signed with my first gallery, that led me to my first agent, and this is when my career took off like a rocket! My husband quit his job 2 years later to help raise our boys and allow me to focus on my career. He is an artist/musician as well, and he now had more time to work on his music.

Making a living is what we have done. The only constant about making a living as a artist has been the inconsistency! Being able to tap into intuition and knowing everything will turn out fine as long as I am making the best work I can, has carried me on this 28 year journey. We aren’t rich and we know how to be frugal when we need to be, and we know how to share when we have extra.

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 back background and context?

My artistic journey began with an unyielding curiosity and an insatiable desire to explore the depths of my imagination. From a young age, I found solace and inspiration in the world of art, using creativity as a conduit for self-expression. Fuelled by an innate talent and an unwavering dedication to creating, I expanded my knowledge through a university education in fine art and countless hours spent in my studio.

In 1995, as a young artist I was driven to establish myself as a prominent figure in our community. From the very beginning, art has been my sanctuary, a place where I can freely explore the depths of my imagination and bring my inner world to life.

My range of creative works encompasses mixed media pieces that seamlessly blend textures, colours, and emotions. Each composition is meticulously crafted, invoking a myriad of emotions and inviting viewers to delve deeper into their own personal narratives.

Through my art, I aspire to solve a fundamental problem faced by my clients—the yearning for connection and introspection in an increasingly fragmented world. My creations serve as a bridge, allowing individuals to connect with their innermost thoughts and emotions, fostering a sense of self-awareness and inspiration.

What sets me apart from my peers is my ability to infuse my artwork with an unspoken language that resonates on a profound level with my audience. My creations evoke a range of emotions, from joy and nostalgia to contemplation and introspection, creating a deeply personal and transformative experience for each viewer.

Among my many accomplishments, I am most proud of my relentless commitment to social responsibility and using my art as a vehicle for positive change. My philanthropic endeavors have brought attention to various social and environmental issues, shedding light on the importance of compassion and awareness. My work has served as a catalyst for conversations that challenge societal norms and inspire action, solidifying my reputation as an artist who seeks to make a difference.

To potential clients, followers, I want you to know that my art is more than just aesthetic appeal; it is an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection. With my distinctive style and unwavering dedication, I strive to create art that speaks directly to your soul, leaving an indelible imprint long after you’ve experienced my work.

So, whether you are seeking a transformative piece of art for your personal collection or are simply captivated by the profound impact of artistic expression, I invite you to join me on an extraordinary voyage, where imagination and creativity intertwine to unlock the true essence of the human spirit.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a professional artist is that I for the most part get to manage my time in the way that matches my natural rhythms. I don’t think I could have survived working a 9-5 job. The flexibility I have been granted by choosing this path has allowed me to raise two boys, travel the globe, tackle social injustice work, to name a few! I have followed so many paths that have sparked my creative interests…sometimes successful in a financial sense and sometimes at a total loss. Sometimes just fulfilment for my soul. What I have always kept returning to since the beginning of my career is that in life we have only this one chance… I didn’t want to look back when I am 80 years old and wonder, “What if I just had of tried…” I am half way through my career now and somehow I have stuck to this philosophy and managed to pay the bills and keep a roof over my head. I am a very intuitive person, I have been fine tuning this tool since I was a child. I haven’t always listened to my intuition, but that too has been a great tool to refine my connection to it, and return me to the centre of this innate power.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Lately I have noticed how people have questions about the “what” and the “why”. Why have you included this in a painting? What’s the meaning behind this work, this approach, this pathway?

We don’t always know! We follow a feeling that feels good. This feeling sparks an action that creates another feeling. If it feels good, we follow this feeling, if it feels bad, we move away from it. It’s an emotional sense in the body not of the mind. The why and the what are mental states. This isn’t necessarily part of the creative process. We don’t always understand it either. Sometimes, years may pass before we can put the puzzle together. I wouldn’t expect someone to know how this works if they don’t move through life in this way. I know I have frustrated friends and especially family for not following a path in the way they mentally thought I should. I wish I could have done a better job to explain my “why” and my “what”, but it seems I am only now, at the age of 53, understanding that most people don’t move from, and in, the same flow state as I do. I am learning to understand their minds better with hopes that I can then show them how mine works. This may be helpful to understand the artists in your life. We don’t mean to be disruptive – we are living in our natural state. What is disruptive is us trying to mold into the social constructs of this society which was developed by non-creative minds. We could all gain greatly by learning how beautifully different we all are from one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heatherhaynes.com
• Instagram: heather_haynes_artist
• Facebook: Heather Haynes Gallery
• Linkedin: Heather Haynes

Image Credits
Virginia Macdonald, Heather Haynes