Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Harris. They and their team shared their story with us below:
From my bio on my site: Heather was born in Germany to American parents but grew up in Champaign, IL. Though she demonstrated an early interest in drawing, photography, and creating structures, it would be many years before she took her artistic talents seriously. Living somewhat of a gypsy lifestyle, Heather attended the Air Force Academy and lived in Colorado Springs for a year and a half, followed by a stint in Tucson and attendance at the University of Arizona. She soon headed to Austin to join her family, to complete her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and to educate middle school students. A Canon Rebel SLR camera gift helped awaken the creative sleeping giant. Then, while teaching at a local middle school, Heather pushed her students to explore their creative sides by illustrating science concepts in novel ways. Their enthusiasm drew her in, and soon, she was capturing and manipulating her world through the camera, computers, and metal sculpture.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Though bumpy and sometimes misadventurous, the road has not been smooth, but yet, it’s still been tons of fun! The biggest struggle has been getting my name out there for people to learn about my work. Since 2001, I have been seriously creating and selling my work. It wasn’t until 2006, when sales weren’t happening from my site that I began the art show circuit. 1 year I did 32 shows in a year. The art shows increased my viewership and sales. Other struggles include the physical demands of setting up and breaking down at art shows. And, of course, there’s the internal struggle that many artists have: questioning the value of our work.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My art is about connections — connecting images to frames in a new and novel way — welding space and texture together. Each step in the creation process is connected to the next: an original photograph is altered to create two images using digital technology. One image is a true representation; the other is an interpretation of the original photo. Acrylic is applied to both. The images are then connected to their respective frames with welding to extend the image details beyond the canvas. I am most proud that I have created an artwork style that no one else has made, which also sets me apart from others.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find someone in your field who inspires you or someone you aspire to be like, and then reach out to them for advice—coffee, brainstorming, etc. Be grateful for any experiences, good and bad, for all experiences are lessons!
Pricing:
- my artwork price range is $115-$5000+
Contact Info:
- Website: heatherharrisart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherloreleiharris/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-lorelei-harris-a9a6725/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherHarrisArt
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@heatherloreleiharris
