Today we’d like to introduce you to Hallie Rae Ward.
Hallie Rae, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Austin, Texas, and I am very close to my family, including my twin brother, Cameron, my mom, Kem, who is an artist, and daddio, Dave, who is a businessman. Initially, my true love was to play volleyball, and my dream was to own my own surf-and-skate shop. When it came time for college, my game plan was to play volleyball competitively and major in Business Management, but as part of my schedule, I took an art class and was instantly hooked. Come 2012, I was the starting libero on the volleyball team, majored in Visual Arts with a minor in Business Management, and had a solo art exhibition for my senior thesis, “Jubilation.” After graduating, I flew to Europe to try to play professional volleyball, but there were no teams that needed my position as a libero, and therefore, did some traveling. I moved back to Austin, and while pursuing my art, worked a few different jobs, including being Business Director for a sand volleyball club. I am currently creating my fine art and HRW Designs, and working one of my dream jobs as an Art Business Director at Art For The People, an art gallery and an artisan market with 100+ Austin Artists and a beautiful curation of visual and functional art. Breathe in art, exhale art.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I create fine art and HRW Designs from my art studio in Austin, Texas. My fine art involves mixed media, painting, and printmaking, playing with color, patterns, shapes, and repetition. HRW Designs consists of Positive Pop Apparel, Positive Glow Lighting, Positive Pattern Prints, Lifestyle Pillows, and Greeting Cards, all of which are based on my fine art. They speak to each other as one and the same, and all contribute to creating a positive jubilation space. I am inspired by the energy of my environment, travels, and the different people I meet. I want to inspire people to self-reflect on who they are, and the relationships they are involved in and realize that, as humans, we experience similar emotions, but have different stories to tell. I want people to embrace the power of positivity and the positive pop power they have within. I want people to learn, love, and grow with my art. Life is good!
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
In terms of advice, I would love to share that YOU, as a creative person, can do anything you set your mind to. YOU, as an artist, are not starving, you’re hungry! Speak to yourself with positive affirmations. Stay focused on your creative dreams and the game-changer moves that will help you get to where you want to be. Embrace the business side of what you do, too, because it’s fun, creative, and it is contributing to your art and passion. It’s a part of the package so dive in. Stay true to yourself, and pursue your art however you may like. Don’t let a “no” hold you back. Go for the next opportunity and keep believing in yourself. Be outgoing with people, ask them questions, and build relationships with other artists and people in general. Just keep moving forward. You got this.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can view my fine art and HRW Designs 24/7 on my website! If you want to follow my journey, you can find me on social media too! I would love to show you my art studio in Austin, TX! I also pursue different show opportunities like the WEST Austin Studio Tour and EAST Austin Studio Tour, both of which happen every year in Austin. You can find viewing opportunities on my website! I would love for you to check out my website and share it with your friends and family. Also, if you have a good idea of an opportunity for my fine art or HRW Designs, I am open to possibilities, and would be elated to share my jubilated art!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hallieraeward.com
- Email: HallieRaeWard@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hallieraeward/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallieraewardart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hallieraeward
Image Credit:
Profile photo by Hallie Rae Ward in front of her piece. “Lost Maples” – photograph by David Ward, “Neon Grasses” (pipe cleaner piece) – photograph by Yoni Levin, HRW Designs at Jumpolin (Positive Pop Leggings – NEON GRASSES) – photograph by Orlando Sanchez, “Summer” – photograph taken by Hallie Rae Ward, “You & Me: An Acquired Taste” – photograph by Philip Rogers, HRW Designs (Positive Pop Leggings – BLUE MOON & “That’s What It’s All About Lifestyle Pillows) – photograph by Casey Cameron Alfstad, “That’s What It’s All About” – photograph by Philip Rogers, Solo Exhibition, “You & Me: It’s In Our Nature”, at Gallery 701 (Austin, TX) – photograph by Philip Rogers, Positive Glow Globes – photograph by Hallie Rae Ward
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