Grace E. Haggard - A Graceful Artist with a Vision for Hope
Grace’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her personal history. Growing up with a mother who was a breast cancer survivor, Grace witnessed firsthand the power of creativity as a coping mechanism. Her mother would immerse herself in painting and drawing while listening to jazz and R&B, creating a space filled with color and sound amidst the challenges of single parenthood. Inspired by her mother’s artistic expression, Grace would often watch and attempt to replicate the beautiful works she created. The sounds of music were a constant backdrop in their home, significantly shaping the strong musical themes that permeate Grace's artwork.“Music is the heartbeat of my creativity,” Grace shares. “Growing up listening to jazz and R&B while watching my mom illustrate her emotions onto canvas taught me to see the world in rhythms and colors.” This blend of auditory and visual art forms comes through strikingly in her pieces, which pulse with life, inviting viewers to not only look but feel.
Grace’s journey into the art world has not been without its challenges. Her mother's battle with breast cancer has profoundly impacted her artistic expression. “Watching her fight against the odds instilled in me a sense of urgency to celebrate life through art,” Grace explains. “Every painting I create is a tribute to her strength and the beauty that can arise even in the darkest of times.”
"My artwork incorporates a broad range of materials, techniques, and processes," Grace explains. "I often blend traditional crafts with contemporary art in innovative ways. I find great joy in painting compelling faces, particularly those with character lines or expressive eyes that captivate me. My use of bold acrylic colors is prevalent in most of my pieces, which may feature a mix of markers, watercolors, metallic paints, and acrylics on diverse surfaces such as canvas, canvas paper, granite, limestone, Plexiglas or Styrofoam."Grace draws inspiration from a variety of artists, including Picasso, Michael Wallace, Phoenix Mitchell, and Everett Spruill, whose influences can be seen throughout her vibrant body of work.
Immerse yourself in Grace’s universe-where art becomes a melody, and every canvas tells a story.
