Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Deogracia.
Heather, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
“You are like a breath of fresh air or sunshine.”
-Terry Mellinger
For as far back as I can remember, I have always woken up at 3:30 a.m. in a fantastic good mood, practiced extreme over-achievement, read thick books, practiced art for long spans of time and wrote three pages to God in my journal everyday. Getting up before the rooster does have its advantages. The world is silent and there are less distractions for a person like me that is diagnosed with Bipolar and ADHD. When I was in high school, I was enrolled in three Advanced Placement courses, maintained straight A’s and earned a four year Perfect Attendance Award. In college, I even took it a step further by creating my own Bachelor’s degree with the Dean of Undergraduate Studies at California State University of San Bernardino for Medical Illustration. A five year program with a double major in Pre-Medical Science and Fine Art while holding three part-time jobs as a Graphics Editor for the college newspaper, Intern as an Investigator for the District Attorney of San Bernardino Family Support Division and a board member for Leadership in Health and Safety.
Then I was 22 when my car was pushed off the road and was wrapped around a telephone pole headfirst. I was in the hospital for an entire week to recover from a collapsed lung. The accident triggered a genetically hidden mental illness that my biological mother had suffered from named Bipolar. All of a sudden, I was crying all the time, sleeping 12 or more hours a day, suffering from chronic pain and started to skip school. I finally went to see a doctor to see what was going on and was given an anti-depressant and returned back to my former self. I graduated college and immediately started working as a Graphic Designer for the East Bay Business Times. After three months, I was awarded by the American Advertising Federation for my work. In two years time, I moved into another position and doubled my salary. I loved using computers and working with other marketing team members.
With my security badge, I entered the production studio and as I was to hand in my paperwork, a gentleman stood up to give me a handshake. “Wow! You are tall!” I point to my three inch boots. I state “Wow! You are short!” The entire morning crew roared with laughter. It’s my first week and I embarrass myself with Matt Damon.
Then my dream job came along in Radio Broadcasting as a Continuity Director for an 80’s station with my own office facing the skyline of San Francisco, free tickets to over 25 concerts and the opportunity to meet and greet celebrities. Due to high stress and complications with my mental disorder, I start making mistakes and am let go after two years. My heart and head were broken and thankfully my sister offered me a room in a room in her lovely home in the city of Midland in central Michigan.
I spent the next 10 years in and out of Emergency Mental Psyche Wards and experimented with countless drugs to help me cope with severe depression. I am given my disability benefits, health care and assistance with prescription drugs. My path to wellness is finally achieved when I return to art for therapy and read books to educate myself on how to recover and overcome my disease. I am given medicine for ADHD and my brain clicks in a week’s time. All of a sudden, I sit in my art room and spend countless hours drawing and creating wonderful pieces of art. I start concentrating on setting routines and new goals for my life. Dreams start coming true. I created a new television show on our community television station called “Art Smart” where I teach lessons, interview local artists and highlight famous artists. I am also working on a Graphic Novel and taking two certified classes online: Creating Screenwriting and Character Design. My art work has now swelled to over 50 exhibits in museums, galleries, fundraisers and business venues.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Having to cope with a mental illness has had it’s challenges along the way and using therapy in addition to medical prescriptions has finally been working after years of trying. Looking back in history, there are many artists that have had to deal with the stigma of something they have no control over. I have been labeled as a long-term case of this disorder and find that it is within my power to educate the community that I am not asking to be treated differently but to appreciate how far I have come.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in two areas: one is in Graphic Layout and Design and the other is in Imagination Illustration. I am known for a very specific type of drawing called Blind Contour which is done with one continuous black line of ink with my eyes closed the entire time I draw an image from my imagination. After I am done with the line drawing, I color in the organic spaces with alcoholic markers, watercolor or colored pencils. I am most proud of my most recent award from Studio 23 Art Center in Bay City as I was selected for the 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region and an image is going to be reproduced and installed as a part of Art Around the City for two years. What sets me apart from others that do this type of art is that I have been practicing for 8 years now and that I have no reference photo when I do this form of art.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Advice for those that are starting out is creative practice, mindset and growth and professional development. Keep a sketchbook and idea journal for visuals, words, textures, questions and personal incubator. Practice daily with originality and new curiosity that pushes your progress. Document everything by photographing your work, writing blurbs and keeping a portfolio.
Trust what you make has value and use brainstorming or prompts when you are starting out. I know it is overwhelming at the beginning and finding a crowd of other art minded individuals and mentors help.
Pricing:
- Skill and Experience
- Time Investment
- Material Cost
- Exhibition History
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heatherdeogracia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdeogracia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.deogracia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdeogracia/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fYRFlsvGb4
