Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Hardeman
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a creative person since I can remember. I loved drawing, coloring, and making up games and contraptions as a kid. The art I created growing up didn’t turn any heads. It was okay, perhaps better than average, but not amazing. I received a ribbon for my art in 5th grade but that was it. As a teen, I began writing poetry to process my emotions and experiences during high school and would submit a few of my poems to be published in anthologies we’d get flyers for in the mail. That started my dream to publish a collection of my poetry that wouldn’t come into fruition until decades later.
During COVID, my emotions were raw and it felt too heavy to process it all through poetry. I wrote one or two poems and then turned to painting on a whim. Like many, I started redecorating my home in the early months. I bought a few art pieces and then decided to be more mindful of spending given all the uncertainty and decided to buy art supplies to continue redecorating with my own art. Those early art pieces were not great, but I was so proud and would show my coworkers and friends via video chat. One week there was this build of energy inside of me that I needed to release, and I stopped trying to create art based on an image in my head or something that I saw. I simply painted and that was the fulcrum to the path I am on today.
In addition to working at Adobe, I have blossomed into a multidisciplinary artist and bestselling author. My work ignites healing through visual art, poetry, and music, crafting narratives that foster self-discovery and empathy. My work is featured in several galleries and museums around Salt Lake City, I’m a keynote speaker, and have had the honor of being a featured artist during the 2023 NBA All Star Games and at The Leonardo Museum three times.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Balancing my career in tech, being a professional artist part time, and all my interests and hobbies has proven challenging at times. A business coach helped me gain clarity and get honest about what I’m trying to build as an artist. I don’t want to lose the joy of painting and the solace it brings. I love the work that I do in tech and have no intentions of choosing between tech and painting. It doesn’t have to be black and white. I believe in having my cake and eating it, too.
The balance I’ve been settling into encompasses stepping back from doing pop-up markets on weekends and being more intentional about the art shows I apply to and participate in. This has opened up opportunities for me to co-curate exhibits, teach intuitive painting classes at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art to K-12 educators, keynote speaker opportunities, and the space to take on commissions. I have “paint seasons” throughout the year and take time to live and be inspired. I love trying new things and learning.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think everyone brings their own experience and energy to their creative endeavors. Two things that set me apart are my willingness to be vulnerable when sharing the stories behind my art and the raw emotion in my poetry and music. Part of my work on this earth is to help others see themselves more clearly and foster greater empathy for themselves and others. I believe that as we heal ourselves it sends ripple effects out into the world.
The art of becoming, embracing self-love, and mental wellness are central themes of my poetry, visual art, and song-writing. My poetry tends to be short form and free verse. I enjoy constructing an image with words that enables readers to tap into an emotion. Regarding visual art, I love experimenting with various techniques and tools and adding rich texture. As an expressive abstract painter, I create in many different styles, and people who follow my work swear they can always tell it’s my work even when they look drastically different.
Something I’m most proud of is how I simply went for it. I started painting and in less than a year was featured in my first gallery show. I published 3 books in less than 3 years and am working on a third collection of poetry. I’ve had amazing opportunities with my art and poetry, and in most cases I didn’t think twice about applying or inquiring about an opportunity. I also finally stepped into my dream of writing songs and playing them on my guitar after a friend invited me to participate in Slay Lake City (the adult version of Rock Camp).
How do you think about luck?
I can’t say that I’m someone who believes in luck per se. But I’ve seen timing and alignment play a role in my life and business, which some may refer to luck. I think that as we become more attuned to our true desires and what lights us up, we’re better able to discern opportunities that are a better fit for us. We begin to make moves that alter our course and tend to find ourselves in alignment with paths and people that move us closer to our goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://papillonskies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papillonskies?igsh=bHhvNzN6dTRmN2Vq&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CjqbR8PGC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/andreahardeman
