We’re looking forward to introducing you to Heather Haymart. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Heather, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Cooking! One day, I came upon Rainbow Plant Life on YouTube. Nisha creates these amazing looking tofu recipes. I am a vegetarian/pescatarian who has not truly embraced tofu yet. Her recipes look so good, I tried a few recipes from her website and then immediately bought her cook book. The first tofu recipe was so delicious that even my carnivore husband loved it!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Heather Haymart. I am the one and only top dog at Heather Haymart Fine Art. I have been creating original paintings since 2002. If there is a way to get my art “out there”, I think I have tried it; local arts organizations, restaurants, bars, coffee houses, indoor and outdoor art fairs, art galleries both private and academic, online shows, private and corporate commissions, studio tours, art auctions. You name it, I’ve tried it! Right now, I primarily work in my home studio creating original paintings and selling them online. I am known for my colorful texture art that leans towards abstract landscapes, but sometimes I branch out – quite literally – and make tree, city and flower paintings too.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was in grade school, a girl in my class was being bullied by this hateful little boy every day. Once day, I had enough and stood up for her. I don’t remember many details, I just remember his face when I had the nerve to tell him to shut up and leave her alone. More importantly, I will always remember her face when she realized that someone actually cared about what she was going through. It made me feel so powerful to confront something I witnessed and feared.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, every single day. Making art is liberating and terrifying. I am dedicated to my passion and practice, but the struggle to engage with that part of myself is real. Each day is a battle of wills. Will I conquer that bully in my head that says “Don’t bother, what’s the point, nothing you make is worth it” and the defender who tells me “Ignore those thoughts, let your creative light shine, be strong and take a chance, what have you got to lose?” Sometimes the bully wins, but most days I try to remember that creating art means more to me than giving in to my fears.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The art I make is created by the real me, and my art is public.
As a vulnerable human, I am very private and save my deepest thoughts and views for my close friends and family. Public or private, there is one version of me. I guard my words and my heart, but I use my paintings as a way to communicate my true feelings with anyone who cares to look deeply.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. I will always make art, even if no one praises or purchases it. At the same time, for me to feel like the creative process is truly complete, my art needs to move on to someone who loves it. Sometimes, it is me who loves it and keeps it or I may decide to destroy it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heatherhaymart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhaymart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherhaymart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherhaymartfineart
- Other: https://prints.heatherhaymart.com/
Image Credits
Heather Haymart
