CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
RH: Painting, because I push paint around on two dimensional surfaces.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
RH: Just things around me in my life/ my past. I see art everywhere and making connections between things that interest me and translating them through my brain is generally how things come about.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
RH: I keep a sketchbook that I draw in for at least an hour whenever I go to my studio. I don’t really make sketches with a particular idea in mind. I just draw whatever to warm up my mind and then when I start a new piece I look back at the drawings I’ve done and see if anything strikes me as interesting enough to be a starting point for a painting.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
RH: Just that I’m serious about what I do and that I’m honest with my art.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
RH: Most days I’ll show up to my studio, draw, clean, paint, probably eat some tacos for lunch, paint more, go home, eat dinner, watch tv or read, then go to sleep. Other days involve studio visits, seeing gallery shows, or going to openings on occasion. I think it’s good to have a balance between art related time and just chill time. While art is generally on my mind all the time, I don’t have to be doing something about it all the time.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
RH: Depends on the person, there’s not really an absolute right/wrong way as long as it works for you. I think the only important thing is just making art consistently.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
RH: When you put your work out into the world, in many ways it no longer belongs to you, whether people like or dislike it doesn’t really matter from an artistic merit standpoint.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
RH: No.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
RH: Money. It’s a lot easier being an artist/ pursuing art when you don’t have to worry about it.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
RH: Being around other artists and like-minded creatively driven, interesting people who understand you.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
RH: I don’t particularly care for inspiration.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
RH: I think people should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages, and to know yourself and your limits when you decide to use it as a tool. Social media is a powerful tool that can give visibility and opportunities to artists that may not have the reach or live in a major city. But it is also a cesspool of some of the worst, most boring fucking art I’ve ever seen, and the way it’s influencing how we see and worse, make art is truly concerning.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
RH: It’s not about what’s allowed or not allowed, but yes. Artists see the world differently than non creative people simply because we do it more, we’re trained to do it, we’re thinking about how to do it differently constantly, and we’re around more people who do it daily. Art involves pushing boundaries, and not everyone cares to do that. I’m sure people in other specialized fields also see their worlds differently than those who don’t do what they do. It just happens when you spend the majority of time with a specific thing.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
RH: I do on occasion, but not as a lifestyle. My favorite city is New York City where I live.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
RH: No.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
RH: Continuing to make more, push things, take some risks within the logic and framework of my practice. Hopefully sell some to pay my bills.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
RH: I don’t know, I’m still figuring it out. It doesn’t feel like a choice, it feels more like an addiction than a choice.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
RH: I Really Like you by Carly Rae Jepson
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
RH: No.
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