Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Chow.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the gallery space, as my mother was an artist, teacher, and gallery owner. Her gallery was my playground when I was young. I would participate in classes taught by both her and the renowned art professors that were flown in from across the nation. This included watercolor, silk painting, portraiture, and figure drawing.
I went on to work at the gallery years later. This helped me establish relationships with artists and collectors, further expanding my knowledge in the industry. When the gallery shut down during the pandemic, I had the time to focus on my other passion, writing. This was when I published my first book.
Post-pandemic, I was blessed to be offered the position as Director and Curator of Kauri Gallery in the Design District. Here, I have been able to put all of the tools I have collected over the years to full use. I see the creative freedom I have been offered here as a gift, and I don’t take a single moment for granted.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey as both a professional and a human has been far from easy. I was diagnosed with epilepsy as a teenager and have suffered with seizures the majority of my adult life. This deterred my professional career in many ways, but I have always been beyond fortunate to have kind and supportive friends and coworkers in my corner.
Though I was going through four consecutive neurosurgeries during my time at my first gallery, I worked throughout the entire process. I am now four years seizure-free, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about my life, as my struggles have molded me into the strong woman that I am today.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Kauri Gallery?
I am proud to be the Director and Curator of Kauri Gallery. We are one-of-a-kind, as we showcase the world’s largest collection of Ancient Kauri wood sculpture. The sculptures, all imported from New Zealand, are made of Kauri wood that dates back to 45,000 years.
It is an honor for Kauri Gallery to represent both local and international artists. Our fine art collection ranges from landscape to abstract to wall sculpture.
Founded in 2023, Kauri Gallery’s spacious 6,000-square-foot venue, complete with an outdoor stage and terrace, quickly became a destination spot in the heart of the bustling Design District.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that a slow life can be equally, if not more, fulfilling than a fast one. The arts industry requires living a fast-paced lifestyle. One where you are consistently planning the next big thing. In this position, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything, causing you to forget to enjoy the achievements that come your way.
Oftentimes, it takes a quick reset to remind myself that the arts is my passion first and my job second. There is nothing more important to me than protecting my happiness, and the pandemic truly taught me to consistently think from that perspective.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hayleynchow
