Meet Heather Ireland of Heather Ireland Fine Art

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Ireland.

Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born with creative resilience. Early on, I was drawn to doodling and painting. In preschool, I’d gravitate to the easel at any chance of free play (and still do). My mother was a large influence and encouraged me with art books, paint, and wallspace! I’d spend hours studying books on illustration and painting techniques, with the confidence of knowing I’d always be an artist. Art is how I express myself and illuminates how I see the world around me. In middle school, I’d draft renderings for parental approval to paint murals all over the house. Those murals were the backdrop to our memories.

I studied Painting at Otis College of Art and Design while in High School…then graduated from DePaul University with a BFA in Set Design from the Theatre Conservatory. I had the honor of studying along with one of the most competitive batches of designers, which shaped how I approach collaborative design. I enjoy the layered creative experience and how it can evolve for the project. When I moved back to LA, I began painting live at underground music events in my free time. My day gig was working as a Showcase Director for an Indie Art event company called RAWartists, which kept me busy and active in the scene.

Then… I made a jump in my career to Interior Design 10 years ago and never looked back. I already had the background in Set Design, the knowledge of AutoCAD, Photoshop, and construction docs, so this pivot was a perfect fit for my interests. I love painting, but what I love most is how art FEELS in a space. And that has a significant impact on the overall design and architecture. I’ve worked on high-end projects throughout Los Angeles, integrating some of the most impressive custom art for our clients’ walls. I’ve designed luxury homes, Airbnbs, and assisted in projects with EdenLA Interiors as JR designer. I’ve designed and painted over 50 custom art projects for Interior Designers and look forward to collaborating with designers (and end users) to help with their sad, empty walls.

Currently, I work as the Showroom Coordinator/ Project Manager for Scott Group, which specializes in made-to-order luxurious custom rugs with timeless textures. What I love about this company is that their handmade rugs mirror the textures I use in my paintings. I value the hand-made craftsmanship and detail that goes into producing such works. It’s art, but for the floor. Every order of artwork, color, and sizing is uniquely crafted for the space. Investing in quality pieces that tie all design elements together is essential to your overall happiness. Buy real art. You’re worth it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. My older brother was diagnosed early on with CF, and he fought a long battle of hospital visits, surgeries, and the inevitable departure when he was 16. Witnessing his resilience to being told no, and his fight to stay on this earth, has shaped how I tackle the roadblocks that come my way. I was 14 years old when he passed, and it’s art that kept me on the right path to graduating high school and being accepted into all 3 colleges I auditioned for.

Then throw in graduating from college in 2009… finding work fresh out of school in the heat of the recession. I had to make a couple of creative pivots, learned how to tattoo… managed an art store… managed artists… fostered cats… it was a wild time to get to the good part.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I create handmade custom artwork that enhances the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces. With a solid foundation in fine art and a BFA in Set Design, I bring a unique perspective that blends the worlds of Studio Art, Theatre, and Interior Design. I have experience working with Designers to select specific colors, subject matter, and size to elegantly fit into the desired space. Send me photos of the room, furnishings, textiles, and art inspo, and I’ll render a few concepts for approval to paint. It’s a skilled process that leads to fantastic results.

What matters most to you? Why?
Creating meaningful experiences. I love the feeling of crafting something truly special for a client—when their face lights up at first glance, that moment is everything. Art isn’t just color on a wall; it’s an invitation to pause and feel beauty. Knowing my work brings joy and transforms how clients experience their space is what drives me. The positive feedback I’ve received over the years reinforces the deeper value of what I create—it’s not just design, it’s an emotional connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heatherirelandfineart.com/
• Instagram: heatherirelandartz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-ireland-20b917b3/

Image Credits
Installed Art images are part of the EdenLA interior design projects, photographed by Kim Pritchard Photography.