Meilena Hauslendale is this week’s featured artist.
Medium(s) you work in:
How would you describe your art?
My art is based on my reflections of the world around me. I observe. I learn. I feel… then I create. I often have themes in my art. Sometimes I use symbolism and sometimes whimsy to portray the mood or thoughts I may have at that particular moment. Whatever the mood, I like bold lines and vibrant colors. For me, my art is like a photograph, capturing a moment in my life that I can always look back on.
What artist(s) living or dead inspire you? Why?
I honestly do not have an artist in particular that inspires me, but yet I am fascinated by all artists. Art is such a personal experience and portrayal that I appreciate all forms and occurrences just like I would someone’s life experience. Art is an observation of one’s life. So regardless of the artist or the art form, all genres are an inspiration to me.
What are your thoughts on selling art?
I first do art for myself. I create because I “have” to in order to satisfy that part of may nature. There are two aspects of art, those that appreciate art and those that create it. My audience and my clients are art appreciators. I take great pride in sharing my work with other people. I try to vary my product line to keep the availability open to those that appreciate my work. On the higher end of the scale, I have my originals and then I also have prints and posters. Surprisingly enough, we also sell a lot of t-shirts, greeting cards, and stickers internationally. So I try not to place limitations on what my art can do and what it can be used for. If there was one message alone that I could convey to my children, is that your creativity does not have to be just a “hobby” it can be a profession. You can make a living off of being creative. You just have to be willing to go along for the ride.
What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing as an artist?
What has been the biggest victory or success in your art career?
Honestly I think just taking that very first step and putting my work out there was the greatest leap for me. My art was such a personal endeavor that I only shared it with myself. Taking the step to allow others to view my art 14 years ago set the stage for my career as an artist, without that I would never be where I am today. I measure my success based on my ability to continue to create not on the number of shows I have done or sales. 90% of my art’s success depends on me just showing up to the canvas and taking time to create.
What are your short term artistic goals? And what are your long term goals?
This year alone I am expanding to different venues that I didn’t explore before. Working more on licensing my work for different product lines such greeting cards, t-shirts, and even cookies (most recent partnership). My short term goals… keep creating and coming up with new ideas. My long term goal… to do this forever because I truly take pride in my work and love doing it.
Anything else you would like to share?
I use my art on the covers of my own published books that are available through Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, and Borders books as well as independent book distributors: http://imotivate.org
Meilena’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | imotivate
Art Palaver begins each week by featuring a different artist. Would you like to be featured? Read the details then Drop me a line.
Installing 
Connie Norman
Kevin Caron
There just isn’t enough time in a day. It is not uncommon for me to spend 12 hours a day in my studio, either painting, promoting via the web, or preparing work for shows or orders.