Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Randy Hayes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Randy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I find that humor, especially self deprecating humor, puts other people at ease.
I try to learn about the people I will be seeing in the room and think of two questions I would like to ask each person.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Simply put, I am an artist and have been all my life. My painting has always been a form of realism. I always worked FROM photographs that I had taken. But some years ago I began to paint ONTO grids of photographs that I had taken. I also make art using my photographs in non-painterly ways such as books and murals
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Early in my career I worked free-lance in the set department at WGBH-TV, a PBS affiliate in Boston. I was too inexperienced to do much design work at first, but I did learn about carpentry, set building and painting. In addition, I became knowledgeable about fabrics and architectural and furniture design. Even flower arranging is in the realm of set design. I had a small studio and got up early most days and tried to make art before going to work.
Later, I opened a used and rare book store with a partner in Seattle. I began to learn about the history of books and book publishing. Within the store, I developed a gallery which primarily exhibited vintage and contemporary photography. I became a student of the history of photography. I had a studio nearby and worked on my art both before and after the bookstore hours.
Total commitment to my desire to be an artist was the paradigm. Eventually I sold the book store and was able to work on my art full time.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Early in my career I was much influenced by Zen philosophy and that is still part of my life and art. I became acquainted with the writing of Lucretius much later. His book, On the Nature of Things, is a translation of the writings of the Greek philosopher Epicurus. The advice to “enjoy your life, conquer your fears” I find essential.
Contact Info:
- Website: randyhayes.net
Image Credits
All photographs are by Randy Hayes
