Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Oliver.
Hi Haley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for art began as a child with the support of my parents. I participated in art clubs and took art lessons throughout elementary school until college. As young as age six, I had my work presented at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and other showcases, such as the Grand Bohemian Hotel.
As the time approached to attend high school, I was encouraged to pursue a school that concentrated on the arts. I applied and was accepted to both Shades Valley High School and the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA). After careful consideration, I chose the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Throughout my four years there, I learned how to work with different mediums and apply techniques to help shape my current work style and aesthetics.
As a senior at ASFA, we had to present our senior thesis comprised of a collection of work(s) on a topic of our choosing. My thesis was an installation piece that dealt with grief and loss issues. Creating this piece was the ah-ha moment I needed to understand how I learned to cope. For the first time, I was able to visualize what I love about art and how to utilize different mediums to express what I was feeling. These feelings fostered my curiosity to become a sculpture artist.
Fast forward to my days as a sculpture major at the University of Montevallo. As a current student, I have been exposed to many ways to create art, from ceramics to printmaking, and combining these different art forms to push past boundaries I never imagined. Further, I am equipped with a multitude of classes and resources that allow me to experiment with different ways to evolve my craft.
Since enrolling at the University of Montevallo, I have received an Honorable Mention in the Visual Arts category in the National YoungArts Foundation competition and numerous awards and accolades from the university as an art student. I am currently working to develop my business and brand, HJ McKinley.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been met (with) many challenges throughout my years of learning as an artist. One major disappointment was not being accepted on my first attempt to enroll in the Alabama School of Fines Arts. Initially, this sparked feelings of insecurity and caused me to question whether my artwork was good enough. Nevertheless, I did not give up. My parents supported me in taking extra art classes to build my portfolio for a second try. Mr. William Canty, an ASFA alum and art teacher, helped prepare me for my second attempt. He immediately recognized my talent and helped me build the confidence I needed to succeed. Over time, I changed my mindset to be proud of the work I created. I also learned that I will be successful as long as I put in the work and effort and enjoy what I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in creating bespoke sculptures, installations, and other art forms. I enjoy creating designs with mixed media paper and incorporating it into my work which can be seen in a few of my pieces. I also enjoy working with pens and markers to create abstract forms and imagery outside of my sculptural work.
Most of my work, if not all, is non-representational and portrays some form of emotion or personal story that I may have been experiencing at that time. My work is known for using saturated colors, and organic forms that I have been told remind people of organisms and other things related to biology and anatomy.
Overall, I am proud of all the work I have created because they all represent a piece of me and my story. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to transform simple, sometimes everyday items into these complex and unique works of art.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Participating in art competitions or submitting artwork to be presented in shows has been the best way to get my work out there. I would advise any aspiring artist to remember that if it does not work out the first time, don’t give up and keep trying! I learned early on that art is subjective. You can submit a piece to one competition and not place at all. You can submit the same piece to another competition and win first prize.
Most importantly, when you get to a certain point in your career, it’s essential to reach out to other businesses, show support, and build connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.hjmckinley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hj_mckinley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haley.oliver.313924
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hj_mckinley
