Q&A with Local Artist, Haley Mathewes
Local artist, Haley Mathewes, is truly a creative at heart! With a background in costume design and a career in fashion retail, Mathewes has flourished in the Charleston art community. Learn more about Haley and her fluid and timeless pieces in her Q&A below.
Tell us about yourself:
I am a Charleston native with no formal training per se, but I do have a background in costume design and had a career in fashion retail. I love spending time with my wonderful husband Thomas, our precious daughter Gigi, and our adorable cockapoo Muddie.
Tell us how you got started in art?
I have always been creative type and I always drawn and painted. It wasn’t until a dear friend of mine insisted that I take it to the next level that I got serious and started my art career. I am forever grateful that she not only saw something in me, but that she made me take a leap I probably wouldn’t have made without her encouragement!
How would you describe your art?
I would describe my work as fluid and timeless. I don’t like making things that I feel have a really obvious time stamp on them. I don’t like trendy, bubble-gum styles in my own home and I certainly don’t like putting my signature on something that doesn’t reflect my own aesthetic.
What inspires you?
I think one of the most inspiring things to do is to allow yourself grace and freedom in the creative process. Allowing for ‘’mistakes’ is often what I feel generates new artistic formats and uncharted aesthetic territory in my work. Plus, it’s way more fun to allow yourself to just enjoy the process!
Which artists inspire you?
Sally King Benedict, Ann Darby Parker, William McClure, and Joe Turner are such artistic powerhouses and I so enjoy following along as they create.
What do you love about working in the Charleston Art Community?
I feel that Charleston has such a wonderful community of collectors and supporters. It’s so special to be in a place where so many artists can thrive.
How does Charleston inspire you?
I can’t imagine living anywhere else. We are so surrounded by beauty, energy, culture, and people - what a special place. How can you not be inspired when you love where you live?
What is your current favorite piece that you have done?
One of my favorite current pieces is a linear landscape. I want to keep it for myself!
What is the most difficult part about being an artist?
I think balancing everything is a challenge - keeping up with commission schedules, installs, correspondence, web sales, inventory, shipping, framing, not to mention actually painting...it’s a lot of hats to wear!
What is the best part about being an artist?
The best part of being an artist is experiencing the joy of getting to do what you absolutely love to do every day - made possible by those who love what you make when you do what you love to do!
Why do you love working with Affordable Art of Charleston?
I often think framing is a hurdle for a lot of people to get over when it comes to committing to artwork. I think it can be really overwhelming for a lot of people so I think it is really special to be able to work with a place that can hold someone‘s hand through that process. I think framing is key!