We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Heltzel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.
Hi Hannah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I am and have always been an artist. But, I also used to be a trial attorney!
When I was young, all I did was create – painting, ceramics, drawing, and 3D art. My mom and grandmother were both designers and artists too. Growing up, I worked with and helped my mom design weddings and events. When I got to college, it came as no surprise that I went to art school. However in my second year of art school, my dad, who at the time was a microbiology professor, sat me down and told me that art was not a viable career and that I should instead do something practical like law, medicine, etc. I was young and very impressionable so I put my art dreams on an indefinite pause and went to law school. I practiced law for seven years, tried several jury trials, won countless cases, brought justice to my clients, but I still was not fulfilled. I felt a strong longing to create and found myself painting, drawing, and creating between trials. I told myself that eventually I would retire and be able to paint again.
That’s when I did the unthinkable – I quit my job as a lawyer and dove head first into art again last year. Everyone was shocked and many did not understand the move, but I did. I’ve been painting ever since nearly every day – it’s not a job; it’s a passion that drives me all day, enters my dreams at night, and wakes me up every morning. I finally feel like I am now living my purpose. Ultimately, to find my purpose, I had to stop listening to what everyone else thought and just focus on the person -I- wanted to be.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
The art my husband and I have in our home is so special – it speaks to us every day, lights up our space, and communicates to anyone visiting who we are. And, that’s how I see my art. My art is colorful, whimsical, and organic. If my art were to talk, it would talk of happiness and adventure. I love mixing vibrant colors with organic shapes and subjects – the combination is nostalgic for me. I grew up surrounded by artists but I also I grew up on a working farm. As a kid, I ran around wild and barefoot surrounded by nature. Now, these memories translate into my work through whimsical color and natural subjects like abstract flowers and animals. Together, I hope to convey that sheer happiness, freedom, and adventure we all felt as a kid and hope to still have as an adult.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The top quality that I think we all can work on and benefit from is not being scared of change and trying something new. Once you let go of what others think about your path or your work, you realize that you have the ability to literally create any life you want to live. You are free to be the person you are naturally.
The second important quality is patience. Once you realize that you are the creator of your own life, it’s important to take the time to envision who you actually want to be and what you want your day-to-day life to look like. Getting specific about what you want helps visualize the smaller steps needed to reach that life.
The third quality I admire now is the ability to enjoy the journey. We all get stuck on the ultimate goal, but we spend a lot more time on the journey itself. It’s important to dive in and enjoy all the chapters of you.
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?
I am a huge Rick Rubin fan. If you aren’t familiar, look him up and he’ll change the way you see life. He published a book recently called The Creative Act, and it’s all about treating your life as art. I highly suggest reading it even if you don’t consider yourself an artist. Rick has a lot of wisdom about slowing down, feeling the moment, appreciating the natural energy around you, and how to harness that energy in your life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hannahheltzel.com
- Instagram: hannahheltzelart
- Facebook: Hannah Heltzel
- Twitter: hannah.heltzel
Image Credits
Nick Burcell
