Staff Spotlight: Megan Hart
Well, I am 28 years old. I’m from Southern California but I’ve been living here in Tulsa for almost a decade now. I went to school for Fashion Design. I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil and I have an Etsy store where I sell prints of my fashion illustrations. I have severe social anxiety and depression but getting to do art and work at Pinots Palette has really helped me in my struggle to manage these conditions and find a good healthy balance in my life.
How long have you worked at Pinot’s Palette?
A year and a half
Who is your Favorite artist?
I love art in all its infinite forms but I would have to say my favorite artist is a fashion illustrator named Holly Nichols. I went to college for fashion design and it was there that I learned to channel my artistic style into fashion illustration. I have never looked back. Holly’s illustration style is so fun and cartoonish while still being vibrant and polished. She is an artist that I really aspire to be like both in style and skill.
Favorite Pinot’s Palette memory:
I don’t think I have one memory in particular that is my favorite. But every time I get to help someone like their painting a bit more by simply giving them advice, without me even touching their canvas, is always a way better day to me than any other. Helping someone see the potential in something they thought was a mistake brings my heart so much joy. Just like Bob Ross says, “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.” And we could all use a little more of that kind of perspective in our lives. So when I get to watch someone’s whole attitude towards their creation change by simply giving them a small tip or trick, that’s the thing that makes my heart happiest on any given day.
Other hobbies besides painting:
Anything art related! Drawing, painting, sewing, crafting...even interior design. Any chance I have to be creative makes me happy.
Favorite Pinot’s cocktail
Funnily enough my favorite cocktail is split between 2. My number 1 favorite is the non-alcoholic Tulsa Sunrise. It’s fruity and sweet and a little fizzy. The second is the Starry Night that actually has alcohol in it. And it’s the only one we have that has pineapple juice in it which I LOVE!
What does being an artist mean to you?
To me, being an artist means....freedom. Freedom to feel, to emote, to create and to quiet myself mentally. I have struggled with my mental health all my life. Doing anything artistic or creative is incredibly cathartic for me. No matter what has gone on in my life, the desire to create and the act of creating has always helped me to get through things and has taught me that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. And getting to be an instructor at Pinots Palette has been a wonderful gift because I get to pass on that catharsis and sense of accomplishment on to others and help them believe in themselves and their abilities.