Growing up I was always enthralled by artwork, spending hours pouring over the illustrations inside my childhood books. Creating art became attractive to me after a move which left me friendless in a new environment at age 13. The same type of deep absorption I experienced while admiring children’s books reawakened and became stronger now that I played creator and could use art as a needed creative outlet during a difficult time. Throughout the years, as my style changed and my skills developed, I began to extend my artistic practice beyond myself. While living in London, England I observed how art can be influential— and in how many forms this can manifest. Whether it was a metro advertisement or a revered religious work, I was impressed by how loudly images speak. I decided to pursue art in higher education to learn how to have a positive impact using this language. In 2022 I was able to practice this desire by showing my art in a mental-health-oriented exhibition on my campus. Additionally, I showed locally in the Joan Truckenbroad Gallery as well as our annual Core Studio Exhibition where I won awards for skill, craftsmanship, and use of repetition.
Haley Garner
