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

Alright, Laura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I honestly don’t know what else I would be doing. Since I was little I have always had art as a way of expression. My mother was a pianist so there was always music in our house growing up. Music gave her such joy! It was her own thing that she created and shared with our family. Because of her, I saw how important it is to develop whatever you feel you are good at, what completes you or makes you the most happy. For her it was music, for me it was art. She encouraged me to grow my talent, finding me art lessons, which was somewhat challenging in a small town. I find my mind is constantly thinking of the next piece I will do, or studying other artists and their technique. It’s part of who I am.

I have worked for other people in the art world. It could be at times frustrating in that you have to stay within a boundary or idea of what your boss is wanting to express or show. Especially when you have your own idea or goal in mind. On the other hand, you really can’t replace experience. I learned a lot from working with other creatives. I have most enjoyed working for myself, and getting to put out there my own perspective. I currently am also teaching pre-school part time. I absolutely love getting to spend a few hours a day with those precious little angels. Their perfect sweetness I believe adds to my creativity. I also get to do little art projects with them. They are so proud when they do a piece of art and get so excited to show it off, just like we all do! Some things as humans never change no matter how old we become.

Laura , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I create commissioned pieces for decorators, private collectors and realtors. I will use any medium requested, however, I enjoy water color and acrylic the most. I do a lot of portraits of people and their pets. Also, quite a few house portraits for realtors in town. Clients commission me to do custom pieces for their home. I frequently participate in art shows in galleries all over Texas and surrounding states and recently won first place in the water media division for a piece I did in water color.

After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University with a BA in art I secured a job with a publication in Little Rock, AR. as a graphic artist. After a year, I moved to the photography department as a stylist. I thoroughly enjoyed styling and continued with it after I moved to Dallas with my husband. In Dallas I learned how to set up large room sets and work with on and off figure fashion. I worked as a freelance stylist for several years and all the while had been painting ceramic dish sets. A friend suggested I show my dishes in a local show and it was there that I was approached by the VP of one of the largest showrooms in the Dallas World Trade Center, Omni Sales and Marketing. He wanted to represent my line in his showroom.

My line, Haley’s Comit, was represented by Omni for many years. Under their representation I designed and manufactured hand painted ceramic dishes, small home decor pieces, lamps, chandeliers and children’s furniture. Some of our largest customers were Horchow, Lillian Vernon and Neiman Marcus as well as hundreds of Mom and Pop shops across the country. Haley’s Comit spawned two sister lines. One called “Little Dipper” which focused mainly on children’s furniture, and the other “Laura Haley Designs” which was strictly home decor.

After twenty-two years I decided I was tired and ready to get back to doing art instead of manufacturing. I began by painting friends houses on ceramic platters. Soon I was painting platters for realtors and also homes in water color. Posting portraits of family members and commissioned pieces have helped grow a following.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I suppose my goal is to keep getting better and grow as an artist. Explore different mediums and subject matters. I tend to navigate away from a piece I don’t think I will be able to execute to my expectations or put off trying something new.. not wanting to struggle to make it what I want it to be. It is so frustrating to have an idea in your mind that just won’t translate the way you want it to on canvas. But, that is how good art is made. It’s all a process. what doesn’t work today might work tomorrow. I will continue to apply to artist calls and hopefully show in many more shows around the country and expand my exposure. I also want to leave a legacy with my children of trying and doing your very best to do what you love no matter what. You never know what door may open to you until you try.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I guess the most rewarding thing about being a creative it is allows myself to come through without using words. I don’t feel like I express myself well with words. I am a worker. I really like getting things done and sitting back and saying “There! I did that today”. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. It doesn’t really matter if a piece makes it into an art show or not as long as I feel like it was an accomplishment for me. I was able to convey what I wanted onto the paper or canvas. I did it for me and if someone else likes it that’s great!

Contact Info:

• Website: Laurahaleyart.com
• Instagram: Laura Haley Designs