Meet Heather Sportsman | Professional Artist & Arts Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Sportsman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, what inspires you?
I’m mostly inspired by memories, real life  experiences, and my relationship with Jehovah God is definitely like a constant river that feeds my growing creativity. Music inspires me, art inspires me, honestly anything can. Inspo just comes from within.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My art is mostly autobiographical, aside from my commissioned pieces. I am mixed media with a focus on realistic portraiture, nature, and storytelling. What sets me apart from others is I am me. Unpopular, not at the top of the list, not going with the trends, will kick my shoes off in a minute, don’t meet any strangers, ME. It sounds cliche, but I’m cool with that. In a world where everyone is trying so hard to be just alike, I enjoy standing out. I think this resonates in my art as well. I especially enjoy close attention to detail within my work and and storytelling. It’s intriguing to my audience and connects with them on a personal level which makes the work relatable. Although I’m very private about my personal life, when I express a situation through a drawing or painting, it feels liberating! My art really gives people the opportunity to see some of the most intimate parts of me, my thoughts and life experiences and thus allows a connection. I value that so much between myself and a client. Which is why I like to know backstory when a person is commissioning a piece by me. That is so motivating and truly gets me into the work as well! I’m excited to see what is next for me on my art journey. As hard as I have worked in the last year, I’m constantly surprised at the opportunities being placed in front of me.

Art has always been my passion and God-given talent. After graduating from Southern University A & M College with my BA in Art, I decided to pursue Art Education. I taught elementary art for 8 years and now wrapping up my 11th year with high school art. I love teaching! The kids are amazing and it has been enlightening to share my expertise and learn from them everyday. Let’s just say during this time as an educator, I was not creating much personal artwork or pursuing my creative career.

Ten years is a long time to “be quiet” artistically. After school was shut down in March 2020 due to the pandemic, it was a game changer for me. Virtual teaching was draining, the monotony was draining, everything was draining! I had to do something to regain my joy. The answer was my art. I started H. Sportsman Art, offering fine art prints, original paintings, drawings, custom art and ColorMyVerses which is my motivational coloring books available on Amazon.com

Initially, things came pretty easy. At least the ART part. The business side? Not so much. I’ve had a lot to learn about that side of the game. The biggest lessons I’ve learned so far have been, 1) education before compensation. It may be a bit expensive, but invest in yourself so you won’t have to do this later. Business taxes, branding, filing systems as an artist, contracts, trademarks, etc. Know your stuff! 2) Be true to yourself and be consistent! Show up for YOU. Because there WILL be some lonely days if you only depend or feed off of others. 3) Overcome rejection. I’d apply to these open calls and get you guessed it, REJECTED. But I have never been a hater, so I shrug it off, “must be something bigger and better for me then.” And honestly? That has been the case each and every time! Just be patient and know that your journey is not others. Some people make one painting and get discovered or put on instantaneously, while others, well we have to work a little harder for it. It will be greater later. 4) Who you are at the core will take you much further in life than any degree or amount of money you could ever have. Don’t give up on yourself. God might be protecting you from a situation you don’t even need to be in right now, can’t handle, or is just not the right fit. Be cool & play your position until it’s time. You’ll know.

My greatest challenge came October 2021 after my fellow teachers, staff, & students, endured and survived a school shooting. Never did I think  in a million years I’d go through that. It changed me. It changed my life. It changed my art. Among other challenges the school year & life has brought about, it has been very difficult to persevere. But I’m still pushing forward with Jehovah’s help. The weapons have formed, but none have prospered. Still pursuing my goals, achieving them, and surpassing the naysayers. (Shoutout to everyone that tried it last year and still trying this year.)

I am going to sell my art to become a full time artist & I will not stop sharing my stories with the world. I believe that everything is a process and anything truly worth having takes time. But what’s for you WON’T miss you! I’m not here to convince anyone that it does not take hard work, prayer, tears, pain, fears, more prayer and all the other scary things to get where you want to be in the pursuit of happiness. If you want it as bad as I do, remember to protect your peace, your time, what you feed your mind and your heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Checkout the Fine Arts District, visit Bisong Art Gallery for some amazing art (shoutout to my friend and good sis Carla Bisong), Galleria always has some fine shopping. Food is my love language & Houston is a melting pot of beautiful cultures and lots of variety. I’m from Louisiana where the best food is, don’t argue with me on this Houstonians, so I am picky. If the food is not right, we’ve got a problem. I appreciate eats like Lotus Seafood & Boiling Dragon are two go to places for boiled seafood. Vegan spots? Lindiana’s Kitchen is AMAZING & Houston Sauce Pit is bomb. We probably will go to the Breakfast Klub for their amazing breakfast, but be ready to stand in line! It’s that good! I love a good steak experience, let’s head to Perry’s for a 8oz filet. But I honestly, like to be at home or with my family. Kickbacks are the best! I love to grill and chill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely #1, is Jehovah God. He could’ve given me any talent in the world, but God chose to give me the ability to create beautiful artwork just like Him. It’s a privilege and an honor I don’t take for granted. Without His love & guidance, I would have given up a long time ago. Next up is my family! They have always been my number one supporters in everything I do. My husband is my Superman, my spiritual head, and my best friend. I couldn’t have chosen better because I didn’t, he was sent to me by God too. My mom and my sister? Are an army by themselves. Have ALWAYS had me on all sides and never let me down. Their love and encouragement is always right on time and dependable. To the friends, supporters, and others who have always shown me real love in all my endeavors, thank you for everything! I will never forget the love you showed.

Website: www.hsportsmanart.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/h.sportsmanart

Other: https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/heather-sportsman – This is my online portfolio where you can find and purchase my artwork! https://www.amazon.com/ColorMyVerses-Naturally-Sho-Heather-Sportsman/dp/B09MD7W93N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QT8NWDQPKRUB&keywords=colormyverses&qid=1646370069&sprefix=colormyverses%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1 – This is where you can purchase my coloring books! https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A7141123011%2Cp_4%3AArt+by+H.+Sportsman&ref=bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011 – This is where you can purchase my merch!