Rising Stars: Meet Cara Heard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Heard.

Hi Cara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I am a mixed media artist and the founder of Lush Art, located in Perry, Georgia. The studio is dedicated to helping people unleash their creativity and explore the world of painting. With a passion for art and small business that dates back to my childhood, I have honed my skills over the years through practice and experimentation, and I strive to always continue learning. 

I have worked as a professional artist for over a decade. My style is characterized with my use of color and texture, and I draw inspiration from nature, music, and the world and issues around me. 

Through Lush Art, I share knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists of all levels, offering in-person classes and workshops that cover a range of painting techniques and styles. My mission is to help people tap into their creativity and find joy and fulfillment through the transformative power of art. 

I was accepted by Chateau Orquevaux in Orquevaux, France, for a month-long artist residency in April 2024 and was awarded The Denis Diderot Artist in Residency Grant to help offset part of the cost of the residency. The artist residency allows artists of all mediums time from the day-to-day obligations to reflect, research, and work on their art in an immersive, creative, and encouraging environment surrounded by artists of all styles from all over the world. A piece of mine created there is now part of the residency’s museum collection. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Can an artist’s path be smooth? Especially during times that we are currently living in and have just been through. 

Running small businesses during a pandemic was incredibly challenging and devastating. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a mixed media artist, I weave messages into my vibrant, textured creations. Utilizing texture, collage, mediums, mark-making, and paint, I construct pieces that aim to provoke thought and emotion. Each of my pieces carry a distinct narrative, challenging viewers to engage with the complexities of life. For commissioned works, I utilize a personalized approach, integrating client input to craft tailored pieces that resonate on a deeply personal level. 

Inspired by the audacious spirit of the Fauvist movement, I embrace boldness and vibrancy in my work. Rejecting conformity, I embrace the power of color, movement, and texture to evoke change and spark conversation. My art transcends decor; it serves as a catalyst for meaningful discourse on the walls of galleries and homes and within the depths of the human soul. 

What are your plans for the future?
My time at Chateaux Orquevaux greatly influenced how I look at time spent creating art and the importance of being around other creatives. I cannot imagine my life without that experience and hope to not only attend future residencies but to continue to connect with the wonderfully talented people I met while I was there. 

I am currently working on finishing an Oracle deck that I began in France at the residency. My goal is to get the deck published and reach more people interested in decks but unsure where to start. This deck is designed to be beginner-friendly and perfect for everyday pulls with simple and concise descriptions and fun and imaginative imagery. 

I also began a series featuring bold and beautiful chairs which hold a deeper meaning about the importance of pulling up chairs to allow more people a safe space in your circle. 

I would love to find a gallery to show both of these projects in the future. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paintwithlushart.com/cara-heard-art.html
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraheardart/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/paintwithlushart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-heard-a2202812
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5XDoCUdDuH8TkB7o_Q1FDg

Image Credits
Chateau Orquevaux