We recently connected with Ryan Hughes and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 2017, I took a job as an art instructor for adults living with developmental disabilities. It was at this moment that I realized the significance not only of committing myself to my creative passions, but also of sharing this gift with others to help make a positive difference.
I believe art, and immersion in any creative outlet, has a unique and powerful potential to encourage growth and promote wellness in our personal lives and in those around us.
Ryan, 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 began painting around six years ago, initially as an experiment in re-sparking an interest in art which I had lost over the years. The passion quickly emerged and I began taking my craft more seriously. I took part in numerous juried shows and exhibits throughout Colorado and took a lot of risks in my painterly approach and style.
Today, I am mainly focused on simply creating work that makes me and my customers happy. I want to create art that people enjoy looking at, while also provoking discussion and introspective thought. Landscapes have always been my speciality, and I’ve found my customers enjoy the versatility and expression in these works.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience is a huge part of being an artist. This path is not guaranteed nor is it always easy. There are a number of reasons people quit on their creative potential, but if your passion for being an artist is strong enough, then you will always find a reason to reach out to your next client, apply to your next show, etc.
I have found that my drive to paint always overshadows the doubts that can inevitably surface while pursuing this path, and I’m grateful for that.
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’ve had to unlearn the magnetic pull of seeking validation as an artist. It’s all too common for creatives to base their artistic merit primarily on follower count or other variables which can derail a growth mindset.
The healthiest and happiest I’ve been as an artist are the times when I paint for the sake of creating things I love and that I can share with others. This mindset is what I strive to live in as much as possible.
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