Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Eck.
Heather, before we jump into specific questions about your art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I was always very creative and art was my favorite subject in school. In college, I took a bunch of art classes: sewing, art, sketching, photography. However, I majored in human resources, afraid I couldn’t make a career out of being an artist. I dove headfirst into what I felt would give me stability and stepped away from what actually made me feel really happy. Within the last two years, I found painting again. And about six months ago, I left my job as a human resources manager for Epic Games to paint full time.
I was feeling kind of lost. I was at that point in my life when I was like, ‘What am I supposed to be doing? What am I here for?’ I worked with a spiritual teacher. She reminded me that my gift is creative, artistic expression,” And it was like a light bulb went on. I had come home to art. Now I’m a full-time artist Heather Eck is a contemporary painter. My work is thoughtfully and lovingly created to invoke a sense of healing and wellness. My mission is to share that experience of peace, believing we are all called to live in a true state of wellbeing. My work has been welcomed into private collections, exhibited in local and regional venues, commissioned by institutions and individuals, promoted in international publications, and featured in collaborative objects, including a forthcoming fashion collection.
Great, 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?
Making the decision to leave my full-time job was not an easy one. Along with budgeting, planning, and worrying about the future, including life without a 401(k), there were concerns about failing as an artist. But before I left, I saved as much as I could, promoted my artwork and grew my art business while working full time. This enabled a softer landing and generally gave me a sense of peace. I’m learning more and more each day about being an entrepreneur, supporting my family through art sales, commissions, and other business ventures. It certainly requires patience, an openness to education, and self-compassion to work for yourself.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I am a creator, mother, and collaborator. With a degree in Human Resources and credentials as an International Coach and practitioner of various healing modalities, my deep knowledge of interpersonal systems and systems of thinking are skillfully explored, broken down, and rebuilt in my artwork. In addition to my successful careers in technology and advertising, I now focus my attention on art, craft, music, and alternative spaces for creative healing. I am honored to apply my original and inspired techniques to current and emerging bodies of work.
Heather fosters a deep connection with teachers from various backgrounds to better understand and hone her unique voice. Her work has been welcomed into private collections, exhibited in local and regional venues, commissioned by institutions and individuals, promoted in international publications, and featured in collaborative objects, including a forthcoming fashion collection. Having exchanged the pace of New York and New Jersey for North Carolina, Heather supports the expansion of peace, fun, and human-divine connection in all areas of her life.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I had a sketchbook that I drew in. I often took cartooning classes or art classes, but as I got older, I just enjoyed the act of sitting quietly and sketching. I remember drawing and sketching hands, lips, and eyes. I believe now it had something to do with being able to accept myself for who I was, an artist, to see myself in a new way and to trust my hands to create the work they’re here to create! I’m grateful to have been able to dabble in art throughout my childhood, even if it wasn’t the direction I initially went in when I started my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heathereck.com
- Email: heather@heathereck.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/heathereckartist
- Facebook: facebook.com/heathereckartist
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