Today we’d like to introduce you to Silky Hart.
Let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Dallas, and came to the visual arts later in life. After majoring in dance at TCU, I hightailed it to NYC and lived there for several years soaking up all the arts and culture possible. Then, the left side of my brain got a workout while obtaining a master’s degree in international business from Thunderbird. After grad school, I lived in the Bay Area for four years and took advantage of the multitude of classes in the expressive arts.
For many years, I worked in marketing and public relations while also teaching creativity workshops. Then, I became a Certified Expressive Arts Facilitator and worked with patients under psychiatric care, women in shelters, youth-at-risk and adults with cancer.
Even though I had no art background to speak of, I took an en plein air painting workshop in France in 2011. I dabbled for a couple of years, then decided to commit in a far more focused way. From college classes to a three-term course with a Scottish artist, I immersed myself in art studies. I continue to take life-drawing classes and occasional workshops.
I live in the historic district of McKinney and enjoy being involved in my local McKinney art scene. I am a co-founder of the McKinney Creative Community and a member of The Cove, a local art cooperative. I also organize the annual Holiday Art Bazaar at Tupps Brewery.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a woman of a certain age, deciding to be an artist at this stage of my life has given me plenty of moments where I ask myself, what the heck was I thinking? I know from my dancing days, that it takes ten years to make a dancer’s body. So, I knew from the outset that it would take some time to build my art chops.
I also learned from my dancing days that some days you are off, some days you are average and some days you are brilliant. However, all the days count. So, on those days when a painting isn’t working, I give myself credit for showing up and try to learn as much from my off days as my brilliant days.
Another challenge in becoming a working artist is scheduling time to paint while also learning the business side. Keeping up with social media and all the ways to market and sell my art as an emerging artist is daunting at times. There is so much information out there! Keeping true to my own style in both painting and how I conduct the business side can be overwhelming.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your artwork– what should we know?
My art has vibrant colors and expressive movement. What else would you expect from a former dancer?
My current fascination is with oil and cold wax — painting layer upon layer for a textured and rich expression that is more on the abstract side yet recognizable.
Many of my pieces are inspired by my travels. I try to capture those visceral sensations that are etched in my memory. I translate those impressions into shapes, patterns and colors onto my canvases.
My art is readily identifiable. At least that is the feedback that I hear although I work with different subjects and media.
My artwork reflects the way I have always embraced the beauty and rhythm of life. It is a dance, a dialogue that I wish to share with the viewer. It is my hope that when people experience my art, they are happily affirming the beauty and color that surrounds us.
A few proud moments are winning first-place in the first juried competition I entered, being selected for the Elephant Butte Lake Artist Residency in New Mexico and selling almost all of my 17 paintings in my first solo art show.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Starting the day with meditating, writing appreciations and setting my intentions.
Believing and trusting in myself.
Having a supportive creative community.
Finding joy in my creative process.
Having confidence in myself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1108 Tucker St.
McKinney, TX 75069 - Website: https://www.silkyhart.com/
- Phone: 9728906394
- Email: silky@silkyhart.com
The magic of Oaxaca Fiesta, Mexico is alive in this new painting series. Festive colors, women dancing with baskets and imaginary creatures are some of the impressions Silky artistically captures from a recent excursion to Oaxaca Fiesta, Mexico. Additional paintings and weavings by Cindy DeFoore will also be on display.
Friday, September 21, 20178 • 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Saturday, September 22, 2018 • 4:00 to 9:00 PM
Sunday, September 23, 2017 • 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Monday, September 24 • by appointment only
Artist Presentation both nights at 7:30 PM
The Cove
402 N. Tennessee St.
McKinney, Texas 75069
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
