Interview with Helen Hal @HEBUSTYLE
Tell us about yourself, how did you become an artist?
I’ve always drawn, ever since a child. After finishing high school I went to TAFE (college to those in USA) and studied interior design, which I left in the first year. After some painful years working at a bank, I returned to TAFE to study Architectural Drafting. As I have a love of architecture and drawing, this was a great course for me. I worked as a design/draftsperson for the next 25 years. During this time, I dabbled on and off with art and attending private art lessons, it wasn’t really until 2020 that I started painting regularly and with results that made me happy. In 2021 I finally quit full time work and became engaged with the NFT community and creating digital art. I feel I have grown so much I the last 6 months as someone who makes Art.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
I really love the colourful work of Brazilian Artist Rogerio Pedro and French Artist Franck Vidal. I love the illusion of simplicity and the abundance of colour these artist are able to give.
Tell me about your favorite medium.
I have always loved working in ink and water colour and that was always my go to medium. I was never really confident in acrylics, however, in 2020 I really started getting into them with happy results. Lately, since being introduced to NFT’S, I have been using my iPad and Procreate software to produce digital work. I have gradually ventured into different styles within this format.
Why Do You Make This Type of Art? Why are you drawn to this subject?
I love and always have loved creating things, I have an appreciation of art and beauty, patterns and colours. However, I was never confident mixing colours and but was able to draw easily, I love the freedom and the irregularity of ink and nib pen, it gave a looseness that appealed to me. As architectural drawing is very precise. Watercolour wash is a lovely light way to introduce colour to my work without overwhelming it and I find, it is more forgiving in this style
Will NFTs transform the art world? Are they even art?
Hmmmm….some are art, some I view as digital trading cards purely created to earn quick money. I believe NFT’S will eventually transform the art world, i imagine there will be digital galleries Worldwide, it will allow the smaller communities to access beautiful art in digital exhibitions, and I think it will be transformative. Certainly there are many incredibly talented artists who now have a platform to share and earn from, their work.
How did you become an NFT artist?
I was introduced to NFT’S by a friend who was already minting work. I created some works that they minted for me whilst I waiting approval as a creator for that platform. Once I started, I was hooked.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere, my thoughts, what I see, what I hear, music, musings, other artists, the list is endless.
Describe how art is important to society.
Incredibly important, it provides a voice and a medium for telling a story, sharing an emotion that can’t be shared verbally. Each piece of art resonates differently with each person who views it. It is unique in this aspect and heals us, helps us, soothes us, inspires us.
What motivates you to create?
A restlessness, thoughts in my head that I can’t escape; I used to read and read and read as a form of escape, now I draw and create. This actually provides satisfaction and relief whereas reading is pure escapism, you don’t address what you’re escaping from. Art allows you to pour your emotion into your work and it can be a transformative experience.
Where do you see yourself in ten years
Hopefully as a successful creator with a satisfying portfolio of work, involved in the art world more and more. NFT’S will either be still a ‘thing’ or they won’t, regardless, I will still be creating both physical works and digital works. Oh and hopefully travelling again, Italy and Europe perhaps.