Life & Work with Denise Hughes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Hughes.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a lover of art my entire life, it only seemed natural to study it at University. I received a BFA from East Carolina University. Soon after, I moved to Raleigh and began taking commission work as well as painting murals. My murals are whimsical with trompe l’oeil elements and can be seen throughout the region. Places include Marbles Kids Museum, hospitals, shopping centers, schools, and homes alike.

In my studio, I am focused on the element of water. I use underwater photography to capture models floating in the water, which I then recreate onto large canvases. I am drawn to the magic of their buoyancy and the infinite fractures of light that dance on the form.

I also create large-scale, two-dimensional works by collaging found plastics. Using up-cycled, single-use plastics as my medium, I make a connection between the preservation of water which affects all living things and a statement about our global, overuse of plastics.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an artist is certainly not for the feint of heart, but I have feel I have persevered and worked hard to get to where I am today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud of the recognition in bringing awareness to our overuse of plastic through my art.

It’s an unusual medium, but it’s a great way to up-cycle bottle caps broken toys that would otherwise end up in the landfill, or even worse, our oceans.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As an artist, I believe you are constantly taking risks! Nothing great comes without it. I am forever pushing my boundaries and exploring what’s next.

Contact Info:

• Website: denisehughes.com
• Instagram: DeniseHughes_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Denise-Hughes-Murals-and-Paintings
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAcF0XHLZWB1rWNFFx8u1KQ

Image Credits
Eve Hobgood