“ If there ’ s a gift I could give to young artists , it would be this :
When life is hard , be kind to yourself
and find healing through your art .”
“ I stay away from the negative side . For me there has to be freedom and joy in my art or I won ’ t do it . I don ’ t listen to critics or play comparison games . I ’ m influenced by many things and many different artists but when it comes out onto my canvas it ’ s clearly my own art — my own style .”
In other words , Rod practices being kind to himself , but kindness in all its forms is important to him . He recalled a specific event that helped him at a time he needed uplifting .
“ Denny Carman ( a Spokane artist and gallery owner who has now honored over 700 artists worldwide ) honored me on his Facebook profile . He put my art out there and I could almost cry because being an artist isn ’ t always easy . Being an artist with a brain injury is even tougher and what he did , just for kindness , meant so much to me .”
Having overcome many obstacles in his life and career , I asked Hallen for a bit of wisdom for those beginning artists .
“ So many things to say , but my usual advice is , ‘ Be kind to yourself .’ It ’ s important to keep art fun and not put too much pressure on yourself to do the “ perfect piece ” or paint what someone else thinks you should paint . It has to come from you . Early on I read a book called , “ Art and Fear ” ( by David Bayles and Ted Orland ), which really speaks to this . If you can find freedom in your art and silence the judgmental person inside , you ’ ll be more effective . The author says that most all trained artists will not produce any new art after they leave school . Why is that ? Each artist must paint from their own soul . It ’ s difficult to make a living as an artist , and to wonder , ‘ What would sell the most ?’ You can get lost when you put that kind of pressure on your art . I ’ ve had the best success at selling my art when I connect with people , which comes from painting honestly from my own soul and passion … art is a fascinating thing . You have to take risks and not just paint “ safe ” paintings .
“ I would also say , ‘ don ’ t quit !’ When you get stuck , step away for a short time and get back to it with fresh eyes and a new perspective , but don ’ t ever give up painting . It will keep your heart young and alive . I ’ ve been through traumas and
art has always been my therapy and my safe place . If there ’ s a gift I could give to young artists , it would be this : when life is hard , be kind to yourself and find healing through your art .”
And Hallen has done that . He is still learning and working on himself , but he is content . He and Connie now live in Washington State and enjoy a peaceful small-town life .
“ We are a couple of blocks from the Snake River at the entrance to the great Hells Canyon . I ’ m inspired every day by the colors in nature that surround me — the birds , the foliage , the river , and the sunsets are all magical . So is our border collie , Diego !”
Though Hallen may be content , I asked if he still has goals for the future .
“ I expect to keep a childlike attitude and be willing to explore — to be loving and forgiving to myself and keep my eyes off what other people think — in my art , my music , and life . I do my best to impart this wisdom to others , to young artists , and to my children and grandchildren as well . Having a childlike , grateful heart is the key to contentment and happiness , and my grandchildren have been the best example of that !”
If you ’ d like to see more of Rodney Hallen ’ s art you can find him at :
Website : hallensgallery . wordpress . com Facebook : facebook . com / RodneyHallen Instagram : @ hallensart
Scan the QR Code to find out more .
26 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE