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SALT LAKE CITY — With an artistic personality and a vision of the work you are itching to create, it can be hard to imagine yourself doing anything else.
This was exactly the case with Isaac Hastings. Always interested in art, he took classes in high school and found himself drawn more and more to the craft. At 19, he rented space at a local studio. He spent all his spare time, away from his day job, in the studio.
“This was an amazing way to learn because I was surrounded by artists every day who were making a living by using their creativity,” Hastings said. “It was the most inspiring work environment.”
His latest work, a series being funded by his company IHsquared through a Kickstarter,* is representative of his love of animals. The unique animals are expressive and personified, some with distinctly human features.
“I am very proud of my latest series of designs because of the detailed line work and stippling I was able to put in every piece,” Hastings said. “Stylistically all of my pieces in the new series are very cohesive and feel like a solid body of work.”
The Kickstarter is an effort to fund the creation of his art and his travels and exhibitions around and outside of Utah. His geometric and yet natural designs have been featured in art shows and fairs, as well as on clothing.
The inspiration for his pen-and-ink drawings comes from a variety of places.
“I'm heavily influenced by animals and the perfect geometry of nature,” Hastings said. “I'm also very inspired by the use of color and how it can convey emotion. I also like to connect with other artists who inspire me.”
Hastings also renders his artwork digitally and has mastered screen printing so he can create his wearable art. His process involves diving into several projects at once.
“My studio space is organized chaos,” Hastings said. “At any one time I usually have several projects going, so things tend to get a little cluttered. I'm always playing loud electronic music or good podcasts.”
For the past two years, he has worked 100 percent on his art. The opportunity to become a full-time artist has been a dream come true, Hastings said.
“At the end of the day what I'm doing with my art is attempting to showcase what I feel is beautiful,” Hastings said. “I find beauty in things like subtle hand gestures, desaturated color palettes and intricately designed line work. I want people to see what my vision of beauty is and in return I hope that inspired my audience.”
*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Amanda attended BYU, where she majored in journalism and minored in gossip. In her illustrious career, she has written for her campus newspaper, online magazines, a museum, a candy store, a band, a U.S. Senator, KSL.com and Entertainment Weekly magazine where she worked the red carpet at the Oscars and the exhibition hall at San Diego Comic Con. You can contact her at amandataylor88@gmail.com.
