Mariea Hilton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Mariea, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that brings me joy every day is taking my children outside to enjoy and learn about the nature around us. We pick up bugs, plants, and anything that can spark a conversation about our mother earth. It is amazing to see their faces light up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mariea Hilton, a traditional artist based in Topeka, Kansas. I specialize in drawing, painting, and most recently, oddity and taxidermy work, jewelry making and anything tactical I can get my hands on. The subjects in my art include nature, mysticism and surrealism. My biggest inspirations come from nature itself, pop culture, history, countries such as Japan and Europe, and daily joys in life. When I was a young child, I traced my favorite characters and colored inside the lines. Now as I evolve and grow my art, I’m able to create a piece of work that reflects my inner soul, passions, and desires.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that I wouldn’t be anybody with any meaning to anyone. I believed I was just another kid who had to go through the motions of school, then high school, then adulthood. I did have some influential adults push me to keep creating because I believe they saw a future with me and my art. I wasn’t the smartest kid, or the sportiest, my parents didn’t push me to go to college for anything, but they did see my potential as an artist. As I grew into high school, I took my art more seriously and began to depend on it. Now as an adult, a mother and artist, I now believe I’m so worth so much more than how I felt as a child.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would have to be to keep going and don’t let anyone stop you. I know it’s a super simple saying that might not mean much to anyone, but I mean it. There have been many times I wanted to stop drawing, to give up and quit that part of my life. but there has also been too many times when art saved my life, kept me fighting and becoming better. So much of my life has depended on being an artist, the type of friends I have, the outlook I have on life, and even opportunities in my community. I couldn’t imagine what my life would’ve been like if I would’ve given up on art. Art is in my genes and to take that away would be like taking away myself. So, little me, just keep going and keep fighting, no matter what anyone says.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
In the art industry, there are an abundance of lies and misconceptions floating around everywhere. I believe one of the biggest ones is that you need to be the biggest, hottest artist on the market or you will fail. I think what makes an artist is their style, their determination and their passion. Some artists are not out to be the most popular fad, or have millions of social media followers. Most artists just want to create tangible moments from their mind and souls so that they can connect with the community around them. Art can be for you and only you, or you can share it with the viewers, but you do not need to become famous to be an artist.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people will tell about me is that I was a kind hearted, whimsical soul who was accepting and forgiving. That I welcomed everybody into my circle and made them feel safe, loved, and comfortable. Someone that share any and all joys, because the smallest one was too amazing to keep to myself. I hope my art will also tell a story of someone who was relentless, powerful and confident.
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