Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Jackson.
Hi Hailey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My artistic journey began back in Middle School, when I first started learning how to draw whatever came to mind. I spent countless hours studying art books and watching YouTube tutorials to build my skills. Over time, I began to feel more confident in my drawing skills, and by eighth grade, I started experimenting with painting on small canvases.
In high school, my art teacher introduced me to different mediums and techniques, which opened up an entirely new world for me. That’s when I discovered my new passion for oil painting. I was drawn to the medium because it gave me more flexibility and time to work compared to others, like acrylics. I began focusing on figure painting, then moved to still lifes and landscapes.
Once I felt confident in my work, I started entering juried student art shows. One of my proudest moments was winning Best in Show and First Place at the Hughston Art Gala in Columbus, GA, in 2021/2022. My winning piece was also displayed at the Bo Bartlett Center which was an amazing experience in itself. Since then, I’ve continued applying to shows whenever I can, using them as an opportunity to share my artistic growth.
Currently, I’m a Junior at the University of West Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant support of my teachers and family. Most recently, I had the opportunity to exhibit nearly 10 of my pieces in a group show at the Carrollton Center for the Arts titled “The Road to Here” and was featured on the cover of West Georgia Woman magazine in 2023. It was a huge milestone that reflected how far I’ve come in my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. One of the biggest struggles I had early on was doubt. I often questioned whether I was good enough or if I was even improving fast enough compared to other artists I’d see online. Like many artists, I went through periods of burnout where I didn’t feel inspired or confident enough to make work.
Another challenge has been balancing my passion for art with my other responsibilities. In high school, I had to focus on my schoolwork in order to graduate. Now I have to find a way to balance my personal art projects, school work, and my job. Time management became a big part of my art journey.
I’ve learned that the setbacks are a part of the process, and often can help you grow. The struggles are just as important as the successes. They push me to think differently and experiment with different approaches.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in oil painting, and my work is often inspired by personal memories or emotions I’m experiencing at the moment. My style leans toward realism, not quite hyperrealistic, but more of a stylized interpretation.
I’m often recognized for the realistic quality of my paintings, as well as the emotional depth behind each piece. While I mainly paint on canvases, I’ve recently begun to explore other surfaces like wooden panels and incorporate 3d elements using Apoxie Sculpt and fiber arts. This experimentation is something that I feel sets me apart from other artists. Many artists stick to traditional rectangular canvases, but I’m drawn to pushing those boundaries.
What I’m most proud of is the progress I’ve made over the years. When I look back at the work I did in high school compared to what I’m creating now, I can see how much I’ve grown. Moving forward, I hope to refine my style even more and hopefully take on larger-scale projects like murals.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was visiting Santiago, Chile, with my mom to see our family. Since I grew up in the United States, it was my first time meeting most of them in person. We stayed at my great-grandmother’s house, and even though I didn’t speak Spanish, nor did they speak English, I had the best time.
I remember being gifted a journal during my stay, and I would spend hours filling the pages with doodles alongside my cousin. I was only six years old, but that memory has stuck with me ever since. Getting to experience a part of my family heritage really showed me and opened my eyes to the different cultures around us. I haven’t been back since that trip, but I hope to return really soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haileyjacksonart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haileyjacksonart?igsh=cDN4Ym9yajgzMXg3&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@haileyjacksonart?_t=ZT-90YXryQTFnb&_r=1
Image Credits
Cheyenne Rose Photography- Atl, GA
