Spotlight On... Heather Hewett

She plays with knives

Hello and welcome to Spotlight On.. the blog that features interviews with Artists living and working in Mississippi today!
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This week we talk to painter Heather Hewett who creates vibrant, heavily textured work filled with joy and charm. You can reach Heather and find more of her work on Facebook @HeatherHewettArt

If you are an Artist living or working in Mississippi and would like to be interviewed click here.

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Q: What part of Mississippi do you live or work in?
A: Columbus,MS 

Q: What is your background?
A: Self taught. I have been painting for four years.

Q: What mediums do you work in? 
A: Textured Acrylic with palette knife on canvas

Q: What are you reading right now?
A: The Girl Who Takes An Eye For An Eye By:David Lagercrantz

Q: ​What have you been listening to lately?
A: A nice mixture of things: The CadillacThree, Blackberry Smoke, The Lumineers, Gary Clark Jr.

Q: What makes you do what you do?
A: I love being creative and painting relaxes me. I love bold color and texture. I just want to share my impression of things with others and make people use their imagination a little.

Q: What role do you see your art playing in society?
A: I would like for my art to make people happy. I want it to leave a positive mark in the world we live in, and maybe inspire others to follow their creative dreams.

Q: What has been your scariest experience in the art world?
A: I guess the scariest experience for me was when I initially put my art out into the world for others to see. Since I do not have any formal training, I was worrying how my art would be accepted. I think this is true for a lot of artists starting out.

Q: What has been your most positive experience in the art world?
​A: I think my most positive experience would be getting to do a mural at the Autism Center of North Mississippi with fellow artist Doreen Kennedy. It was wonderful hearing how the children and workers enjoyed our progress each week. Doreen and I became good friends, still support each other, and are beginning a new project together soon.

Q: ​What Jobs did you hold before becoming an artist?
A: I currently work at MSU in the Environmental Health and Safety Office. Previously, I worked for 12 years as a Mammographer.

Q: What is your dream project?
A: I would love to continue to create art for facilities for children. I love to see their faces light up. I would love a new project whether it is a mural or a series of canvases.

Q: What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?
​A: Create for yourself. Paint what you want to paint. Do not try to create just to please others and it's okay to say NO to a project.

Q: What couldn't you do without?
A: Coffee and family

Q: Describe your work space for us...
A: I have an easel set up in the corner of my living room next to a large window. This allows me to be creative yet still spend time with my family.

Q: How do you know when something you are working on is finished?
​A: Once I think it is done, I usually sit it in different places in my living room and look at it throughout the week. As long as I am happy with it, it is done.

Q: ​What is the best thing about being an artist?
A: I think it's getting to create something that makes people smile or gets them talking. You know.. having this idea and being able to create it so people can enjoy it with you.

Q: Why do you think the Arts are important?
A: I think art helps you think outside the box and continue to dream. I think that's important to pass along to the younger generation.

Q: Have you always had support in your art career?
​A: Yes, My husband, family, and friends have always pushed me to put myself out there. Even when I doubted myself, they have been nothing but encouraging.

Q: ​Favorite color?
A: Blue

Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: I would like to be remembered for my color and texture. I would want people to remember having fun looking at my work.

Q: What is your favorite accomplishment?
​A: One of my favorite accomplishments would be winning 2nd place at the Prairie Arts Festival last year. My grandmother, who is no longer with us, loved arts and crafts. We went to festivals growing up, but she passed away before getting to see me put my art out there. Last year was the first time I participated as a vendor and entered the art contest at the festival. It was a wonderful surprise to win and I know just how proud of me she would have been.

Q: ​Do you enjoy sharing your work with the public and why?
A: Yes! I absolutely love seeing the smile it brings to people's faces. Last fall I painted a utility box in downtown Columbus. As I painted people would stop and talk about what I was creating. Even now I can be downtown and hear people talking about how they love the project. It was a wonderful experience. My son even loves to point it out any time we drive by it.

Q: Do you listen to any podcasts?
A: Yes, I am currently listening to The Laura Horn Art Podcast.

Q: If you had 24 hours to live, how would you spend the day?
A: I would spend the day drinking coffee and being with my family. I would do every adventure my little boy wanted to do and get in as many snuggles as I possibly could.

Q: If you could work with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?
A: Van Gogh for sure. I love his use of blues and other colors. He created a sense of texture with his art as well. I feel like he would have loved talking about his art.

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Until next time!

Click below to check out some of our previous interviews