Hilary J. England

What's the purpose or goal of your work?

In my earlier works, my creative endeavors were centered around exploring the simplicity and beauty found in the ordinary moments of daily life. However, a profound shift in my perspective occurred following a deeply personal and tragic event on January 2nd, 2023, when my cherished son, Anthony, at the age of 29, tragically took his own life. This absolutely devastating loss has prompted a reevaluation of my artistic direction, now aimed at delving into the intricate interplay between life and death, light and darkness, sorrow and beauty, and the enduring strength of love.

Through my art, I endeavor to navigate the complex tapestry of emotions wrought by grief and confusion, seeking solace in the eternal essence of love beyond death. My artistic mission now revolves around sharing Anthony's story, our shared narrative, in an effort to challenge the fear and stigma surrounding mental health issues and suicide. By sharing our journey through art, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and understanding dialogue surrounding these sensitive topics, fostering empathy and support within our community.

How can your work affect societal issues?

I aspire for my artwork to illuminate the profound issues surrounding trauma, depression, stigma, isolation, and suicide, with the intention of sparking meaningful conversations and fostering a greater understanding of these complex topics.

Through my creative expressions, I aim to challenge existing stigmas and misconceptions, ultimately paving the way for a more open and empathetic dialogue on these crucial matters. My hope is that by shedding light on these challenging subjects, my art can serve as a catalyst for positive change and contribute to a more compassionate and supportive society.

What have critics and collectors said about your work?

Throughout my artistic journey, collectors have often described my work as serene, contemplative, nostalgic, colorful, and tranquil. However, as I embark on this new creative direction, I am uncertain of how it will be received.

Rather than simply aiming to please the eye, my intention is to spark meaningful conversations through my art. I hope that this shift in my work will challenge perceptions and provoke thought among collectors. While I value the past interpretations of my art, I am excited to explore new territories that may push boundaries and elicit deeper contemplation.

Ultimately, my goal is to create art that not only captivates visually but also engages the mind and emotions, fostering a dialogue that goes beyond surface impressions and perhaps is instrumental in a collective change of perceptions.

Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?

In the peaceful seclusion of my environment, I find solace and inspiration, accompanied only by my loyal dog and two feline companions. Embracing a deep sense of introspection, I have gravitated towards a more solitary existence, almost reaching a point of total isolation. This retreat into solitude has become essential for me to engage in the creative process and navigate the ongoing trauma resulting from the loss of my son.

Residing in a remote New Mexican location, nearly 50 miles away from the nearest town, I am completely confined to this setting during the winter months as the roads become impassable from the end of December to early March. Despite the geographical isolation, I have honed my ability to adapt and thrive in this environment. I meticulously prepare by stocking up on essential supplies, including grinding my own pigments and sourcing natural substances and elements that have now become integral to my artistic practice.

My recent works are a fusion of mixed media techniques seamlessly blended into the traditional oil medium. This innovative approach allows me to channel my emotions and experiences into my art, creating pieces that are both deeply personal and visually captivating. Through this process, I find a sense of healing and transformation, as I continue to explore the depths of my creativity in this secluded sanctuary.

What are your ultimate career goals?

Initially, as a young artist, the fire that ignited my artistic ambition once burned with a singular purpose: to carve my name into the world through visual art, to be completely independent and self-sufficient as an artist -- as is the case with most young and ambitious visual artists. But ultimately, midstream, the flames that roared through my life one fateful day were not the kind that stoked self-service. They were the searing flames of loss, leaving behind a personal landscape forever devastated and altered. But, in their wake lie not the ashes of artistic ambition, but the embers of a new purpose – one etched by the memory of my beloved Anthony.

Sharing our story, ensuring his memory lives on, has become the guiding light in my creative journey and a path toward some form of healing. It's no longer about self-glorification or artistic autonomy; it's about weaving a tapestry of remembrance, an artistic testament to the beautiful life that touched mine so deeply, and how he still lives on in every breath I take. Every brushstroke, every artistic choice, becomes a conduit for his spirit, a bridge connecting his essence with the solitary world I exist in now.

Of course, personal fulfillment and artistic exploration still hold meaning. But their significance is thoroughly woven into the labor of love of keeping Anthony's memory alive. Now, achieving recognition and artistic independence feels less like a necessary accomplishment and more like perhaps a potential bonus, a fortunate byproduct of fulfilling this greater purpose. The true reward lies in the act of sharing our story, in ensuring his life is remembered, as an indelible mark on the canvas of the life and love we once shared and will continue to share even with his transcendence into a new universe.