Chances are, you’ve seen some of these striking faces around the web. Done by talented Austin artist Hayley Mitchell, each of these bold, colorful pieces somehow seem to still tell a separate intriguing story. It’s easy to see how these works can be considered statement pieces in a home, and as you saw in our team office’s One Room Challenge Reveal, an original piece by Hayley simply steals the show. (And in my opinion, neutrals never looked farther from boring!)
Hayley sure knows the staying power of statement art in the home, which has a lot to do with why she loves collaborating with interior designers. But she also shared with us how knowing others find joy in her pieces is the ultimate reward. Check out our full interview with the talented lady below, go peruse her current originals, and pop over to her Etsy shop to find her prints available for purchase. Cheers, Kat
WOM: Describe your aesthetic in your own words.
KM: Vibrant and bold. I love a bright, colorful statement.
KM: Art is like jewelry. It has the power to bring a room’s statement to fruition.
WOM: Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
KM: Everywhere! Everyday life, my kids, historical figures and various cultures around the world.
WOM: Who’s your girl crush and/or style icon?
KM: So many but Alice Temperly has my heart.
WOM: Tell us about the creative process for you. How often do you produce new pieces?
KM: I create new pieces daily. My creative process is a bit of a mess. I create and care for 3 little humans simultaneously. I take a very bohemian approach to motherhood and the creative process. All ideas start in my sketchbook. I sometimes pull from sketchbooks from years past.
WOM: Do you ever get attached to any specific pieces?
KM: Yes. I started an abstract series a year ago. I only created 5 pieces but I cannot part with any of them.
WOM: Tell us a little about your journey in pursuing your creative dreams. Had you always dreamed of being an artist? Have you hit hurdles along the way?
KM: Since childhood I’ve wanted to be an artist. At ACU I majored in graphic design. I took some time off from school to travel with my sister in Europe as she modeled. We lived near the Pompidou which was amazing. Wondering around alone in Paris was amazing but I realized my dreams of being forever single might not be for me. I met my husband Ben (from ATL) and married young (21) during the Recession and soon there after found out we were expecting. That bit of time was definitely a hurdle but it was very formative (both literally and figuratively). Within the next 3 years we had a total of 3 kids. Despite the challenges, it fostered a great amount of personal growth that inspired me to really purse my artistic career.
WOM: How has your work evolved over time?
KM: Yes and no. Most of my work (since childhood) have been faces and people.
WOM: Have you had any “pinch-me moments” or significant milestones that have helped solidify your name in the creative world?
KM: Honestly, the moments that mean the most to me are kind words from those that truly love and enjoy my work. That feedback is sunshine for the soul. Knowing that one of my pieces brings someone joy or comfort is everything.
WOM: What would your dream collaboration look like? Anyone you’re dying to team up with?
KM: I love working with interior designers! It would be a dream to work with Eddie Ross or Jonathan Adler.
WOM: Where can fans buy your beautiful work?
KM: My website: hayleymitchellart.com
