HILARY BERENS, PROFESSIONAL ARTIST, MOM, WIFE | ||
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Where did you go to school? What did you major in?
I am originally from a small town called Newaygo and then moved to Grand Rapids, MI for college. I graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 2006 with my Associates in Art. Starting college my goal was to either teach Art or be a working Artist. More and more I thought that would be difficult to achieve so I eventually changed career paths. My next love was caring for people so I then pursued my Bachelors in Social Work and graduated in 2008 from Grand Valley State University.
| Tell us about your family. How many kids? How old? How long have you been married? My husband Scotty and I have been together for 11 years and married for almost 9 years. We met as naive young adults, but have had quite a journey growing up together and still love each other so much. We were the young couple carrying on with probably too much PDA but, absolutely infatuated with each other. I think that love really helped us be strong enough to power through some hard things. Our first struggle was after we were married and tried to get pregnant. We never expected such a long and hard journey but, we made it through three years of trying, 5 insemination's (IUI), a laparoscopic surgery for stage 4 endometriosis/kinked ovary/cyst removal, 2 more IUIs, and then we got pregnant with our twins! When our boy and girl twins were only 16-months old we were surprised to find out I was pregnant with our next daughter. |  |
What did you do before becoming an artist? How did you cross that bridge from a professional career to a professional artist?
Before being a SAHM & working as an Artist I was a Supervisor of a 10 bed Adult Foster Care Home for adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). I worked for rehabilitation business for 6 years and absolutely loved it! I was a full-time career woman with a lot of responsibilities and respected for my performance.
My biggest adjustment ever was going from full-time career woman to stay at home mom of two babies at one time. I have always loved children and wanted my own but, being home 24/7 was harder than I imagined. I was still very happy and knew these babies were a blessing but, I wasn’t prepared for the hard parts: the isolation, one income, household duties, and completely losing my own identity for a while.
Looking back, transitioning to working as an artist didn’t seem difficult. The difficult part was dealing anxiety and depression but, painting became my emotional release and respite.
Why do you paint?
My journey of professionally painting took off about a year ago. I started painting as a form of therapy for myself. It made me feel happy, so proud and it became a healthy distraction from my worries.
My son, Crew, has Neurofibromatosis (NF1) and it has been a roller coaster of emotions. This genetic disorder causes tumors to grow along his nerves and for our son they have caused some scary challenges. He was diagnosed at 13-months old and has had MRIs every 3-6 months due to the tumors growing. There was a year where we had to give our toddler a chemo medication and that was so heartbreaking. Crew needs thickened liquids so he doesn’t aspirate and speech therapy but, otherwise he is doing so great right now. We just continue to wait for a chemo medication trial to open up in Chicago.
Along the way it has been a struggle to not constantly worry about his health and how I will manage it all with three young children. It all takes a toll on my mental health and I needed a healthy distraction.
The need for an outlet is how I started painting. I began with acrylic paint on wood scraps and people loved them as I shared my work. Momentum started building once my work started selling and then someone referred me to an art gallery in Newaygo. They loved my work and displayed them there for the public. From there, I typed up a professional introduction letter about my work, spent a lot of time messaging businesses, coffee shops and breweries. More and more I was getting positive feedback and hearing 'yes' to having my art in their location.
This sense of pride started building as my art was being purchased and venues began requesting my pieces. Over the last year my work has been displayed in over 24 locations, 4 Biggby Coffee Shops and 3 Art Galleries. I currently have work in over 13 locations.
I would never choose a different path than this one - as a wife, as a mom to three amazing children, and as a SAHM - but in the midst of everyone else's needs, I realized I needed to find me again. I needed to choose me again.
As moms we tend to put ourselves last. We are there for our husband, our families... we make sure our children are happy and their needs are met but we also have to deliberately and consciously choose ourselves. It is easier said than done, however. Sometimes, it means I'm painting during bedtime snuggles or that I'm working on a commissioned piece instead of folding laundry that day (or week!). It's difficult to balance but I take it day by day and I'm thankful for the support of my husband and family.
 | Tell us about your art. You clearly have your own style, how did you find that? Or how did it find you? When I started painting I mainly created floral pieces. I was intimidated by abstract art and felt insecure of what others would think of them. Over time I have created my own style and have received so much support. I thrive painting abstractly and even my floral pieces are unlike no other. I name each art piece when they are complete and sometimes there is a story to share. I remember there was one time period where I was really down. I remember thinking how it had been 6 days since I had touched a paint brush. I was really worried about my son and my anxiety had taken over. Finally I forced myself to go paint and created something I never could have imagined. When I posted this piece on social media I shared my story, opened my heart about my struggle, and it really connected with others. Shortly after I sold that painting to another mom who has a child with NF1 also. My painting and story had connected us as moms. |
Where can fans find your art?
I currently have artwork at 13 locations. You can find my work at Ball Park Floral, Go Java West, Go Java on Ionia, Light Gallery & Studio, Michigan Pantry, Ridges of Cascade, Biggby Lake Michigan & Covell, Biggby Rockford, Biggby Ivanrest, Biggby Fuller & Michigan, Shinola Outlet, Founders Brewery, Lions & Rabbits Art Gallery. Fans can also view my available art and shared painting videos online via Instagram or Facebook.
Why do you feel your art is desirable?
My artwork is truly one of a kind. I have created my own style with layers, texture and metallics. I create all different sizes in an affordable price range typically $10-350. My artwork has a broad range appealing to women and men of all ages.
What about the creative process do you enjoy most?
My favorite part about painting is when I am in the middle of the process completely immersed. Typically, I have one of my favorite funny TV shows playing in the background (Friends or The Office) or 90's Pop radio. I enjoy laughing at the TV shows or singing as I paint.
What does your art career look like? Where do you see yourself and your work in 5 years?
My hope is that my art career will continue to develop and grow. Ideally I could be making a steady income and continue to work part or full time as an artist. I take this journey one day at a time and am just thankful for the steps along the way. Eventually all of my kids will be in school and It will be again figuring out a balance between being a mom, working and being an artist.
What's your biggest artistic accomplishment to date?
There are so many parts of my art journey that make me have the biggest smile and burst with pride! My biggest artistic accomplishment was when Rockford Property Management sought me out after seeing my artwork. They hired me to complete four large pieces for their apartments Barley Flats. I was just elated to be sought after by such a well-known large company in the area.
Other super exciting accomplishments have been collaborating with Shinola and having my painted journals on site, being the first Artist in 4 Biggby Coffees, being asked to be a Resident Artist at Go Java West, pieces being purchased from a local successful interior designer & then hearing from their client how happy they are. I was also recently selected as the featured Artist on marketing materials for The Great Lakes Market. What an amazing honor!
I have also been able to contribute to our family financially which is a huge accomplishment! Being able to help and pay for our second car payment is huge!
Honestly, I look at every step along the way as an accomplishment and I am thankful. I am so appreciative when a venue wants my artwork, when a client wants to purchase a piece, or orders a custom creation. It blows me away every time to see that other love what I create.
 | Tell us about your favorite piece? Why does it stand out to you? My favorite piece is a 24x48” canvas called Shifts in the Green. That piece started a series for me and felt like my first successful large abstract piece. It inspired me to make other versions with different colors and even smaller versions. |
Have you ever scrapped anything because you didn't think it was good enough?
Yes I definitely have had artwork that I didn’t think was good enough. When that has happened I typically just set it aside to go back to it or to look at it for a while.
One large painting I had just wasn’t working for me. I had it for months and finally pulled it out, partially painted over it and it became amazing! Some times the best paintings happen that way.
What lessons have you learned as an artist that you can share with others?
As an Artist I have learned it’s best to try to not compare yourself to others. Each creative person is on their own journey and my perspective is to support each other.
What is your dream project?
My dream project would be getting hired on by a large company or business to have artwork in their entire building. I would also love to paint a huge wall mural!
When taking custom orders, what questions do you ask the buyer?
I love creating custom pieces for clients! My process is to first have an open discussion with the buyer on what style of my paintings they like, choose main colors, decide on a size, discuss their budget and confirm the final price. I prefer they choose a few of my favorite pieces as inspiration and then I work best with creative freedom. Clients put half down and I typically have work done within 2-4 weeks. I also ship anywhere in the US if client is willing to pay shipping.
| Besides canvas, what other things do you create? I have branched out with a few other products as well. I have collaborated with The Crafty Archivist and painted a collection of her leather earrings. Those are available for purchase at Light Gallery & Studio. I continue to work with the Shinola Outlet & have painted journals available on site. I've added my artwork to greeting cards, coffee mugs, notebooks, pens, magnets, stickers, pop-sockets, and watches. |  |
What's been the most empowering part of being an artist?
It is incredibly empowering to have others acknowledge and appreciate my hard work and success. It means the world to hear my husband say that what I’m doing is “Badass”. It makes my heart happy to see my children’s curious eyes as they watch me paint or we stop into a venue and they yell “Mommy! That’s your painting!” I feel empowered as an individual to be achieving my dream but also empowered as a mom for setting a powerful example.
What advice can you give to other moms that are searching for their own name? Trying to make their own mark in the world?
My advice to other moms would be to take the time to put yourself first. As moms we tend to put ourselves last. We are there for our husband, our families, we make sure our children are happy and their needs are met but we also have to deliberately and consciously choose ourselves. It is easier said than done however. Sometimes it means I'm painting during bedtime snuggles or I'm working on a commissioned piece instead of folding laundry that day (or week!). It's a difficult to balance but I take it day by day and I'm thankful for the support of my husband and family.
My advice for moms who just need something for themselves, to put themselves first, is to remember simply that the power of choice is yours. It’s not always easy but, take the time to think about what you need and advocate for yourself. Work as a team with your spouse and plan ahead for yourself.
One struggle for a mom to actually put herself first is having enough time! As a mom it feels like we are juggling 100 balls at one time and just can’t ever keep up. I am often asked, "How do you find the time to do all of this?" with a big prideful smile I typically respond, "I've learned to paint among the chaos!" It won’t be easy but, you can do it!
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