We were lucky to catch up with Heather Steele recently and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned at a very young age, how I could use materials and tools around me and create something pleasing to the soul. I grew up on property. I guess you could safely say, that we were homesteaders. We lived off the land, raised our own meat, vegetables and fruit. It was just another day when my dad would leave and come back with a pheasant or grouse for dinner. My dad worked a lot of hours as a Steelworker and when he would come home, he would be busy building our earth home or tending to the land or animals. In order to spend time with him I would go out and help him. My dad is a very calm, and quiet person, so I did a lot by observing and then helping. My dad taught me how to do something by showing me, rather than telling me. I watched him sculpt, use materials and make all of our furniture. There was nothing that he couldn’t do. He taught me how to sew and paint with fine stains. I remember one year, he carved and sculpted these beautiful, rather large jewelry boxes, for all of the women in his life. They were gorgeous pieces of art. I watched him paint the mirror doors with stain. He painted mystical unicorns, wizards, beautiful butterflies and roses. I remember being amazed as a child, in all that he could do. I recall there was a time, when i wanted to paint something. My dad took me outside and gave me some plaster, food coloring, and a piece of sheet rock and as he was walking away he said “create and paint something”. I remember being so proud of my first painting that I did ( having not used paint) but plaster and food coloring. As the years have gone, I have learned something new time and time again. My life has been a series of experiences and I definitely wouldn’t have sped up the process. I don’t believe in failing. I believe in learning from my experiences and using what I have learned as a way to move forward. I see obstacles as a way to improve and prefect my craft, not as a road block.

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

My Name is Heather Steele and I’m an artist from the Seattle area, newly relocated to the fabulous, DFW area. I have a background in nursing but pursued a degree in Education. I come from a long blood line of entrepreneurs. I grew up with a great appreciation for fashion and for what was pleasing to the eye. Growing up, we owned a clothing boutique, I learned the “ins” and “outs of the business at a very young age. I’ve opened, closed, paid clients, and managed books since the 5th grade. All those life experiences cant be replaced! I have owned several Childcare\Preschool Centers and In-home facilities. I started selling my art to help my son pay for his living expenses in downtown Seattle, while he underwent chemotherapy. During this time, my passion for creating was reawakened. My son Cole and I ended up doing several art shows together during this time. We are not shy in keeping each other in check. and giving each other positive feedback and reinforcement. Cole is now an amazing fine jewelry designer on Bainbridge Island. He has launched his own store ononfinejewelry.com. I wake up every day with a “make it a great day” attitude. I always go for a bike ride and come back to start the day. I dress for success and embrace what life gives me. I have other businesses, so I need to have a refreshed and renewed mindset. Many things come at me in a day. Business wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our clients, so it’s important to me that my clients are taken care of and their highest expectations are met and exceeded. I offer fine art, so I take great pride in my work and what I am able to create. In my art I use only the finest grade of products, gems and 24k gold. Quality and craftsmanship are my utmost priorities. I want my work product to represent luxury. I’m very proud that I’ve been able to help multiple charities and causes I believe in, such as Saving Hope, the Jewel Charity Ball, Campfire Charities and the upcoming Big Good.

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

There are so many people that need help, I believe one of the reasons why God gave me the gift to create was to help those around me in need. This is how my story began and I have been so thankful for those that have helped me along the way. I believe in passing it forward. God has given me a gift, and through this gift I have been able to help others. I feel humbled and blessed beyond belief. I have a strong desire to help ill children and their families. My son was born premature at 3 lbs. and has been chronically ill since childhood. I have a connection for those that are homeless and support efforts to help animals in need. I hope throughout this process, that I can inspire others to create and invest their efforts and talents in causes they believe in.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I started working with resin, it was very intimidating. My first attempt wasn’t awful, but it was not what I wanted. It was very, very sticky and extremely messy. Most artists that I’ve talked with have said they’ve tried it, but threw in the towel after the first attempt. I’m so happy that I didn’t give up and learned the craft. Its extremely difficult to work with but is so worthwhile in the end. In the beginning the resin controlled me, but now through trial and error, experiment after experiment, I now control the resin. There is so much that you can do with it. My all time favorite resin pieces are my geode’s. Its so satisfying to mimic something in nature, bring it to life and have it in your home to admire in your day to day life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hrsteelefineartgallery.com
• Instagram: heatherrsteeleart
• Facebook: heatherrsteeleart