Today we’d like to introduce you to Halie Gary.
Halie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am 23 years old and I currently attend DePaul University for an MA in Animation. I was born and raised in Detroit, but I have always had connections with Chicago because half of my family is from here. I grew up in a family of educators which meant I had to educate myself about the ”basics” of art such as painting, drawing, and sculpture and it wasn’t until I reached Allegheny College for my BA in Art & Technology that I realized all that I was capable of artistically. I have grown to understand that my greatest form of communication is through my artwork. When I am in the middle of creating a piece I realize that I am the most honest with myself in my artwork and this allows me to make pieces that I feel will become conversation starters amongst any audience. Most of my work comments on racial and social environments that I am personally involved in or experience through others in my life. Even though I am an Animation student I always do my own side projects that keep my personal style afloat, so if you ever visit my website you will see the many areas I have tackled within the art world. Overall I am a lover of all art and I enjoy studying art and the connection it has to a vast audience through colors, shapes, and patterns. One of my favorite quotes that keep me going is from Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” In my heart, being an artist is the truest direction in my life, and I am blessed to have made it this far sharing my passion with everyone.
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?
Of course choosing to be an artist is always a difficult choice. It really does take guts to follow your dreams no matter who you are, in regards to art it becomes a struggle when you constantly compare yourself to other artists. Sometimes it’s hard to be true to your own visions when you experience the visions of others on a regular basis. When I first began to be involved in the artist community in undergrad I always had issues on whether or not my artwork was good enough, or able to please everyone. People have different ideas and thoughts which changes the connections possible with people and artwork. I had to understand that everyone will not like my art and that’s okay, you can’t expect to have a perfect record of artwork every time you step into the workplace.
Halie G – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am not a part of a company just yet, currently I am looking to gain experience with jobs and internships in the Animation/Digital Media world because my overall dream is to own my own Animation Company. So far that dream is a few years away.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment is most definitely being accepted in the MA Animation program at DePaul University. It was the only graduate school I applied for and it was my first and only choice, I was so surprised when I was accepted.
Another moment has been just creating my website and other social media sites with my artwork and showing everyone what I’m made of!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://halieegary.wixsite.com/website94
- Email: hgary@mail.depaul.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vb.g.halieart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/e_garyh
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
