Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugh Baxley II.
Hi Hugh, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve been drawing since I was very young. I was in 2nd grade; my older sister was in 4th. She had a report she had to do on Henry the VIII. She had to draw a picture of him, and she knew she couldn’t draw. My parents challenged me to draw him. From a 2 in picture in a history book to a full detail drawing on a poster board. From there I’ve drawn almost everything and still going. Practicing every day and enjoying it.
I’m self-taught. Drawing and painting has always been big in my life. It’s my therapy. My happy place. Whether I’m happy or sad, I paint, and you can see it in my paintings. The good, the bad, the ugly. I put it all on the canvas.
I began by meditation. I stare at the canvas and get an idea. I very seldom sketch anything out beforehand. I start out just selecting the colors that I see in my meditations. Then just go for it. I see what I want to create in my head, and I run with it. I put on my music and let the emotions talk to me. The wisp of the brush touching the canvas, the way it dances across the other colors. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a trance. I’m absolutely surprised by what’s created sometimes.
If it wasn’t for my mother Beverly who died when I was 12, I don’t know where I would be. She encouraged me to follow my dreams. There was times that I put down the brushes and pencils due to no support. However, a very special person is came into my life 5 years ago; she noticed that I was always doodling and such. I came home one day and in the spare room, we had. She had drawing pads canvases and supplies. I ran with. I guess you can call her my muse. She’s a big reason you see the man here today. I’ve come a long way from homelessness on the streets of Downtown Dallas and fighting to find my next meal. To where I am today. I don’t take anything for granted.
I heard something years ago by a gentleman named Les Brown. He explained how he was diagnosed with a disability, and he was stuck in a position that be believed it. One day he was waiting for another student and a teacher told him to write something on the board. He made the excuse that he couldn’t because of his disability. That day the Teacher told him, “If you want to get anywhere in life you got to be hungry.” I listen to that speech at least once a week. I never forget it.
I read books, YouTube, and I watch others. I learn how to be a better Artist. Even at 42 yrs. old I’m still learning and evolving. There’s no point to ever stop.
I absolutely love creating things that makes you think and stirs emotions in people. Sometimes it’s fun and whimsical. Other times it can be heartfelt and emotional. Either way, you will always get something from my art.
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?
Many struggles, losing my mother at a young age and having a rough upbringing after that. Many things I don’t speak of. I’ve worked since the age of 13 to take care of myself and siblings. Whether it was allowance or bus fare. I would walk if I had to for them. I’ve made mistakes in my past. Served 6 months in jail for things I could have avoided. I learned my lesson. I ended up homeless and on the streets of Dallas. Unfortunately, due to a theft on my record it was difficult for me to find gainful employment. No one would hire me. I ended up in a shelter only to be kicked out due to an anxiety attack. The ones running the place swore I was on drugs. I’ve never done drugs. So, I slept where I could, I scraped and saved until I could get into a home. Some place to call my own. There were struggles to keep the lights on at times and life hasn’t been easy.
Depression hit me in my 30s and there were times I attempted suicide. For years I couldn’t get my mental health under control. Told by doctors and those around me to get over it or it was all in my head. I lost a lot of people along the way.
However, I learned many lessons along the way, and they lead me to the right people. I can say that healing has been the best part of this journey. Knowing there’s outlets and allowing yourself to not be okay but regroup and grow. You can learn so much about yourself when you hit bottom. That Glow Up is amazing! So NEVER quit!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I don’t have a “Niche” I haven’t gone to school or anything for this. I love abstracts though. I love drawing as well. No specializations. I do what feels good. I paint from the heart and allow things to flow from the inside.
Lately, I created an Animal series that I absolutely loved.
I don’t know what I’m known for exactly. If had to choose something ai would say I do a lot of “Spiritual Art.” Hence the meditation and musings of the land and sky. It gives me a reason to keep going.
I’m most proud of creating. To invoke an emotion from what I have created. To see the looks on the faces of those that enjoy my pieces and those that don’t.
I think my uniqueness and throw caution to the wind style sets me apart from others.
I didn’t go to school for this. I see things in my mind, and I express that on a canvas or paper.
I keep pushing to create something that will get them talking.
I have a few controversial pieces that offends some. If you’re not evoking all emotions, are you truly creating art?
What’s next?
I plan on doing more with my art. Still trying to break through. Get some more tools like a printer to create prints. Possibly a chance to have an Exhibit of my work. Honestly travel the state and one day the country. More visibility. Take more chances this year and create more amazing and bigger pieces. Get an official website.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_aries_creations_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HughAriesCreations
Image Credits
Aries Creations
