Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Ireland.
Heather, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I started painting very young thanks to the kindness of my mother who didn’t mind murals popping up around her home in Torrance, CA. I would read art books, challenge my skills and went on to study Set Design at Depaul University Theatre Conservatory, spent time as an Art Director in DTLA and currently settling into the world of Interior Design here in Venice Beach. I work with a talented group of interior designers at Tumbleweed & Dandelion by day and stay up late in the evening painting at my studio. We do full interior design, stagings, and have a cute shop on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Life in design can get a bit crazy, no day is like the other, but it’s an adventure and so rewarding to see the pieces of the puzzle come together through collaboration. I’ll find inspiration from the textures, accents, and furnishings in a room and create the artwork to complete the look.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I create imagined realities, building layers of vivid colors bringing life to your home. As a Gemini artist, I have a split body of work, as if two painters are locked into one body. One creates scenes from memory, the other creates surreal portraits from imagination. I hope that the scenes I paint take you on a journey, that they lift you out of your world and take you to a place of vivid color, texture and serenity. I hope that my portraits take you to a place beyond your limits, taking a second glance to sort out the details and divert your reality for a moment in time. My work evolves as the two artists inside compete for paint time, a daily battle at the easel when gazing at a blank freshly stretched canvas.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
We live in a very competitive market. Creatives flood from the far ends of the globe to compete here in Los Angeles. Growing up I was always told “it’s who you know,” but with the evolution of social media, our visual footprint has the power to extend further than what was years ago. We have more ways to get our work out there, and I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with other creatives across the globe, collectively supporting and inspiring each other to push our limits as artists. This is a city that is beaming with competitive creative energy that fuels great art. The challenge is to not get discouraged by competition. I feel that rush of excitement when others can recognize the art. To me, that is the success of an artist. When the work stands on its own, and others can see your mark and know that it was you who had created it. I have been painting live in Los Angeles at a variety of events over the past 10 years, and I am so touched when people mention “did you paint at …. (insert event here) …. I recognize the art!” I hope that my work continues to extend and find its way into your home, to inspire and bring wonder to your space.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I exhibit work at Garage Gallery Los Angeles and have artwork available at Tumbleweed & Dandelion in Venice Beach (online and in-store tumbleweedanddandelion.com). I paint live at nightclubs, local festivals and will post about upcoming events, the creation journey of the art at www.instagram.com/heatherirelandartz feel free to follow, inquire about art, inspirations, and creative process in the comments!
Contact Info:
- Address: Tumbleweed & Dandelion
1502 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, Ca 90291 - Website: HeatherIrelandArtz.com
- Phone: 3102000592
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherirelandartz
- Other: www.tumbleweedanddandelion.com
Image Credit:
Artist Portrait Photography by: Erin Delsigne @edpunplugged @erinjake
Artwork photos by artist.
Staging photos by Halton Pardee Properties.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
