We’re looking forward to introducing you to Heather Nagy. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Heather, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
For the past 7 years, I’ve traveled with my husband to art festivals, mostly in Florida. Circumstances changed this year when my husband could no longer attend all the shows with me. This left me anxious and fearful. I leaped out of my comfort zone and traveled over a thousand miles with my daughter to do a show near family in Michigan. It had some pretty challenging moments, but I had help, survived, and felt proud of myself for doing it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Heather Nagy, and I am a professional artist located in Orlando, Florida. I create vibrant, modern impressionist landscapes, city scenes, and botanical paintings. My work is hopeful, showing an idealized reality of the beauty that can be seen in your backyard or a dream destination. From childhood, I’ve had a creative bent, and after working as a graphic designer for almost twenty years, I transitioned from painting on the side for myself to painting full-time as a career.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was fascinated by many famous (but dead) artists as a child. Michelangelo brought life to marble and painted the Sistine Chapel. All the colors in Monet’s Water Lilies. Norman Rockwell captured everyday life. And yet I didn’t think being a famous artist was something that I could do. While my name is unknown the the general population, I am now making my living as an artist!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There are too many times to count when I’ve looked at circumstances beyond my control and wondered if I should chuck it all for something more predictable and safe. Being at a festival when the weather takes a turn and we are in a tent as it’s thundering and pouring. Reaching out to galleries and hearing no thanks, or nothing at all. Finishing a piece and having people love it, yet it doesn’t sell. Being a full-time artist is putting your heart out there for people to see and then praying that someone comes along and resonates with your work. It’s accepting that things may not move at the speed you want, but looking back and remembering what you have accomplished.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Jesus. His courage, forgiveness, dependence, and trust in God, and his love for me and others. How I treat others is based on what I’ve learned from Him. My hope that my needs will be meant rests not in our government or my talent but in His goodness towards me. I would’ve given up long ago if not for the strength he provides. I’m still learning but I hope as I age his ideas and way he sees the world become more and more my own.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that the paintings I created bring hope. The paintings would help uncover our longings for paradise that God put in our hearts, because they show glimpses of an idealized reality that we all want.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heathernagyart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather.nagy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLNagyArt
