Creative Spirit Carrie Hilgert

Carrie Hilgert is a priestess of paint and the lens. Sometimes she uses paint and ink, sometimes a camera, and sometimes words. She always, however, strives to capture the everyday magic and connections she sees in the world in the most honest way possible.

She is a firm believer in making your own rules and taking baths whenever you feel like it. You can learn more about her and her art at carriehilgert.com.

Carrie: When did you first realize the arts were an important part of your life?

I started drawing in the 3rd grade when it occurred to me that I could copy the lines exactly as I saw them in a book. After that, it just took off and evolved. So, I’ve always been an artist and knew I would be. What I didn’t know is that it would save my life.

Carrie: How would you describe your art?

During this time in my life, my art is a tool I use to channel what some would call Spirit. I just call it energy. I want to tell the truth with my art, no matter which form I’m using. To show what I see behind the veil of this world.

Carrie: Can you describe the evolution of your artistic style? (Have you always made art with this unique vision or what was your turning point into recognizing this style was your authentic “you”?)

Everything changed in 2014. I had taken a break from painting for 10 years due to life struggles, depression and a bad marriage. In the spring of 2014 I quit a part time job that was crushing my soul to pursue my photography business full time and the desire to paint came back like a starving monster. But what came out of me was unlike anything I’d ever done. This is why I finally figured out that I’m a channel for who I call The Muse.

The art started teaching me how to get out of my own way, to trust the process and to see something deeper in the work. Something healing. I believe there is a frequency that people can feel inside what I do. The emotional reaction is usually quite visceral. It took me awhile to figure out why.

Carrie: Myrtle makes me happy. For my readers who may not know: who is Myrtle? 🙂

Oh Myrtle…she came to me while I was asleep and I drew her: this ostrich with a woman’s body. All sass and no f*cks to give. She was my alter ego coming out after a life of people pleasing. She tells it like it is, makes her own rules and lives her life however she pleases. (I have a book coming out soon with all her writing. )

Carrie: Please describe your habits or rituals around “making.”

I’m not sure if I have habits. The art comes out when it wants to come out. I feel it inside me like something that needs to be birthed and then I do it. For me, it’s the rest of my life that I need to keep in check. Am I resting enough? Am I taking care of myself? Am I experiencing life in a way that is causing growth? The art is a byproduct of that. I have to maintain a very loose and fluid way of living to be able to stay in my creative space.

Carrie: How does your life experience and emotional state feed into your art?

This is everything. I am here to document this life. These emotions. Nothing is wasted. Nothing. Nothing is off limits either.

Carrie: Can you share one challenge you’ve faced as a creative and how you’ve dealt with it?

Freedom of expression. Making my own rules. Living in a bubble so I can let my soul speak it’s truth freely without worrying if anyone will get it. Pushing the boundaries all the time. I wasn’t raised in a way that allowed this, so I always deal with the voices. But I do it anyway.

Carrie: How do you think vulnerability affects artists/creatives?

Our vulnerability is our greatest strength. We’ve just been told otherwise. If you want to make art that changes everything, you have to tap into that scary place of openness. It goes along with what I said about freedom.

Art is so powerful and can change the world. And it is the poets, the painters, the artists of all kinds who have been gifted with this beautiful glimpse into the marrow of life and we have to start showing people what we see. Taking off the masks, if you will.

Carrie:  What is one creative resource you can’t live without?

The internet, hands down. If I can’t connect with other people, I’m done.

Carrie: Who/what inspires you?

Music inspires me the most. I’m listening all the time. Besides being an inspiration, it’s a necessary white noise to the collective energy I feel all the time as an empath. But it helps me connect to what I’m feeling in a way nothing else can.

Carrie:  How do you define Creativity?

Creativity is the life force. Every single person in this universe is a creative being. We are creating all the time. We just may not realize *what* we’re creating.

The whole world is our canvas and as soon as we realize how very powerful we are, I’m sure we will blow our own minds at what we are capable of bringing into the world. Art or otherwise. 🙂

Click to Tweet: “The whole world is our canvas.”

Be Creatively Courageous: I really like how Carrie frames the importance of observing her daily life and being mindful of whether it helps or hinders her art. What is your big takeaway from today? Share it in the comments below.

Additional Contact Info:

Website: http://carriehilgert.com/