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

Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.

I recently had a show at the crossroads in Kansas City, Missouri. I had a decent amount of pieces in it including one of my favorites that I’ve done. It was a portrait of Willy Wonka from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” On the last day of the show it sold and it was bittersweet to send it off to its new home but knew it was going to someone who enjoyed it. A few weeks past by and I got a text from the customer who bought it. They sent a picture of it displayed on their wall and told me they’re an RN and how happy it makes them when they come home tired from work everyday. That, that is why I love doing art and giving it to people. Being able to bring someone joy and my work put a smile on their face no matter how hard of a day they had. Art is supposed to make you feel good, that’s what it’s all about.

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?

I got into art probably the same way a lot of people do, comic books and music. Its just something I have always done as a kid and was always there on my mind no matter what I was doing. I grew up an athlete and played sports all through high school and college but art was always on my mind. I didn’t realize how much it was until I started paying attention to it in college. I started taking art and myself more seriously my junior year of college. When I get the opportunity to do commissions I think its very important to take gigs that fit who you art and what you do. if you take something just for the money then I don’t think it will get your correct amount of attention because your heart isn’t in it. I think knowing what to say yes and no to is a very big part of art. You wouldn’t ask someone who puts a roof on your house to bake you a cake. The same applies with art. I am always most proud of the response I get from a client when seeing my work. I love when they first lay eyes on it in person and seeing their face light up, its the best and its why I create the pieces I do. Always chasing that high of seeing the happiness from someone.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Covid obviously stopped the world in its track and forced a lot of people to adapt. I am originally from Long Island, New York. My job on Long Island was a dead end and I was sent home for two months. I took the time I was home to reflect on who I was, what I was doing and where was I going/want to be. I chose to take a job with my cousin as a mail carrier in Kansas City, Missouri and leave my life behind in NY. working for the post office offered a future and space to move up and grow as a man and career wise. My then girlfriend and now wife fully supported me and followed me out to Missouri also leaving her life and family behind. I work 6 days a week and most of my time out of work is allocated towards my art and still chasing the dream of being able to do paintings full time. Growing a following through social media and gallery showings is difficult but I love it. Taking the chance to leave New York and move out to Missouri has shown me I can take a leap and land on my feet. Baby steps towards a long term goal I believe is essential. Chipping away, keep pushing, take the little victories and be thankful when opportunities reveal themselves.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think people get caught up in habits because its obviously comfortable. Knowing the difference between a routine and a habit is key. A routine can be uncomfortable at first but if you pay attention to it you can train yourself to get into a healthier lifestyle. A habit is doing something that is automatic and you do it without even thinking even though it can sometimes hurt you. I had a habit of always looking for fine details in my art and beat myself up about them instead of enjoying the fact I created something I love. I had to unlearn this habit and it has benefited me in the long term of accepting that no piece is ever perfect but thats what makes it yours. I started a routine of stepping back, maybe not even touching it for a day or two and coming back to it with new eyes. It was hard at first but it made me appreciate what I did and a fresh approach to finish.

Contact Info:

• Website: realheffeart.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: @realheffeart and @jdeluca16

Image Credits
Jeff DeLuca, I took the pictures.