We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Gentile Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I can’t remember a time when I was not creating art.

My mother taught me at a young age that homemade cards and gifts are more heartfelt than bought ones. I’ve made it my life’s work to put my heart into my creations ever since. In my career as an artist, I’ve worked on custom campaigns with big-name brands like Versace, been featured regularly on the Oprah show, and have licensed thousands of pieces sold at Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.

I’m proud of the work that I’ve created, from custom commissions to murals to mass-produced canvases. However the projects I’m most proud of aren’t the high profile campaigns. My favorite work is when I’m working on a public mural and kids stop to share that they, too, want to be an artist some day. I tell them someday is today, and I hand them a brush so they can make their mark on their community. Watching a kids face light up as they “become an artist” is my goal.

I use quotes around “become an artist” because I believe everyone’s born an artist. It’s my life’s mission to help others realize art is already inside them. They just need the opportunity and confidence to express themselves in a new way. I want to spark joy and creativity in every person whose path I cross.

I love both the product and the process of creating art–I’m honored that my art speaks to people and hangs in homes and lives on the sides of buildings. Licensing my work allowed me to amplify my message. And while larger commissions and licensing has helped me become a well known artist, I take as much joy in the art that that no one ever sees. The process of making art is my therapy, my prayer, and my meditation all at once. And it is there for all of us!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I use quotes around “become an artist” because I believe everyone’s born an artist. It’s my life’s mission to help others realize art is already inside them. They just need the opportunity and confidence to express themselves in a new way. I want to spark joy and creativity in every person whose path I cross.

I love both the product and the process of creating art–I’m honored that my art speaks to people and hangs in homes and lives on the sides of buildings. Licensing my work allowed me to amplify my message. And while larger commissions and licensing has helped me become a well known artist, I take as much joy in the art that that no one ever sees. The process of making art is my therapy, my prayer, and my meditation all at once. And it is there for all of us!

I began my art journey at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating I began my mural company in 1992, Gentile Designs. I have worked for myself ever since creating public murals for communities, commercial murals, art on canvas, and licensing my work to well known brands. After 30 years in the business, there is still so much I want to do and create. It never gets old. I think that is because my art is heart-centered. What does that mean? For me it means that I use my intuition to guide me in creating. I don’t focus on profit, I focus on creating sparks which always come from a place of abundance. I believe that being an artist is being in service. Art can take the form of a painting, a song, a necklace, a garden, a beautifully designed home, a great movie or moving poem. Anyone making something from nothing using their imagination is an artist. And if we do it right, we are all in service of the greater good by reaching into our souls and seeking our own joy. It is by finding that which intrigues us that helps us to create the magic sauce, which I believe makes the world a better place. Being a artist can sound selfish or seem frivolous, but it’s not. It can inspire others and spread joy. My sparks of inspiration are meant not just to create my art, but to create a better world. Follow the sparks. They may not make sense. But listen to your heart. I believe creativity is divine. This I know.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

When I’m seeking inspiration I head to the water. Lake Michigan or Lake Geneva, I swim, float, paddle, surf and boat. Sometimes all I need is to gaze at the water, even if it’s frozen. . That’s my happy place. And it’s free for us all.

My journey towards becoming an artist and sustaining a career as an artist is packed with childhood friends, supportive teachers, fellow artists and loyal customers that raised me as a professional. It literally took a village to build my brand.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

As a visual artist, we are constantly putting ourselves in a position of vulnerability. By creating art we take the risk of rejection and judgement daily. Over time my support team helped me to have a thick skin when doubt or the inevitable negative experience came my way. I have been so blessed with a team of family, friends and teachers that encouraged me, cheered me on, and championed my gift. My interest in making and creating was celebrated by my contemporaries. That positive reinforcement gave me the courage to be vulnerable and to continue to grow as an artist. Sharing your art takes bravery in the beginning stages because every compliment is incredibly meaningful.

Imagine how many Picassos may be out there but kept their art in a notebook that never saw the light of day?! I still have those same friends who cheer me on when my own imposter syndrome sets in. And after 30 years as a full time artist, it still sneaks in sometimes to trick me into thinking “ Who do I think I am to make and sell art?  Is it even good enough?” And then pops in that dear friend that reminds me otherwise, or that client that sends me a note expressing gratitude for their recent commission. And when I say it takes a village, I mean the literal neighborhood of Roscoe Village in Chicago. I must have at least 10 public murals in our small neighborhood. I have seen the power of public art and it’s effect on small local business. This is one of my missions. I’m so grateful that my neighborhood has embraced my work and it’s a symbiotic relationship we have created with the greater good of our community in mind. I know creating art is my way of being in service. I’ve seen the results time and time again. But there is no way I could have done it without the support of my friends, my neighborhood and the village.

Website: Www.Heathergentilecollins.com

Instagram: @heathergentilecollins

Facebook: @heathergentilecollins

Image Credits
Jenny Grimm Photography Holly Bonner Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.