Meet Haley Joyce Oliver | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley Joyce Oliver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley Joyce, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Kristi Oliver, my mother, was the one who saw the potential of my art and that it could lead to success. She is not only one of the most amazing people in my life but she is also a brilliant and talented brand specialist. She has been at the forefront for the visuals, brand colors, and overall what my business, HJMckinley, stands for. She is also the one who’s developed my website and helps be rebrand when I need a fresh look. Without her, I would have never thought to take on the opportunities that I have nor think of starting my own business as an entrepreneur. She learned how to code, create websites, and has always had a keen sense for design. It all started with her.

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 first started drawing at the age of 4 when I would visit my grandparents house and didn’t have anything to do. In kindergarten, I would be one of the few students they would select artwork from to be showcased at the Botanical Gardens Gallery. Then throughout elementary and middle school, I partook in art class electives and art clubs. I first felt defeat in middle school when I auditioned for ASFA the first time and was not selected to attend the school for 8th grade. My parents, on the other hand, encouraged me to try one more time and I was finally accepted to attend ASFA for grades 9 – 12 (four years). It was quite challenging going from a public middle school and attending a fine arts highschool. The expectations, the requirements, and the long hours (8:00 – 4:40 schedule) we had to be there made me realize that this was the type of school that was serious about getting us a head start in developing our skills so we are ready to take on the world and the careers of our choosing. It took me at least a year to adjust but it was at the school that I made major breakthroughs in my art skills, style and the content I wanted my work to be about.
Throughout High School, the content of my art was reflective of the physical and emotional aspects of my life. It was a period of grief for me and I took those emotions to fuel my determination, ideas and improve my skills. My art now is primarily abstract and non-representational as I work with very fluid, organic, and bodily forms which creates work that is atmospheric, balanced, personal and engaging. The sculptures and installations I create continue to reflect the emotional and physical aspects of my life but from perspective outside of grief. I want to continue making multimedia & sculptural work that is influenced by the human body, human emotions, and other living things of the earth that is reflective of the real world but altered in a way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since my bestfriend and I are attending universities, we can only meet up on the weekend. We are both the type of people who enjoy simple but fun activities. The first night we met up, we’d go and get chicken wings and cajun ranch fries from a local wing spot. Then we’d stop to get cherry slushies and watch a tv show or movie back at my place. The next day, I’d take her to visit the Railroad Park to walk around and get some fresh air. There’s a Redcat cafe next to the park where we could go to get a sweet treat or drink. I’d go for strawberry lemonade and she would most likely get a caramel frappuccino. And finally to finish off the last day of the weekend, we’d go to our local movie theater to eat popcorn and of course get our favorite drink, cherry slushies!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother has had a major role in my art career ever since I was a child. It wasn’t until 6th grade that I started taking my art more seriously when she encouraged me to audition to the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in middle school. She knew early on that I had the skills to further develop my art that I wouldn’t have been able to obtain at the public schools I was zoned for. Both my parents supported me financially to attend private art lessons so that way I would be properly prepared to audition at ASFA. My mother was also the one who found opportunities for me, whether that be clientele for commissions, grant seminars, gallery showcases, art competitions and so much more. She helped me with whatever I needed in school even outside of art. She is also someone I could ask for feedback on my artwork and has been vital on why my artwork is as successful as it is. My father, Eugene Oliver, has had a key role in my art as well. Even though he does not know much about art, he takes his time to understand my ideas and what I am trying to portray in my work. He also helps me build most of my sculptural work and gives me insight and knowledge on tools that work best. Both of my parents are the reason I have made it so far in my art career and they will continue to play a vital role for the future to come.

Website: http://www.hjmckinley.com/

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