If you’ve wandered around Perth recently, you’ve probably spotted the wonderful street art by the oh so talented Hayley Welsh! Take a peek behind her artwork, get to know the artist who calls WA home and how she hopes her art can spark creative conversations in others.
Get to Know Hayley Welsh
Originally from the UK, Hayley has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember. With art creating a happy place for her; a way for her to find a kind of peace. Studying Scientific and Natural History Illustration at university before traveling to Australia with her partner Andy in 2009. Stating that her journey down under was a turning point, marking the beginning of the artworks she’s recognized for today. Each artwork she creates serves as a diary entry, reflecting her experiences and emotions. The lost creatures search for their way ‘home’—wherever or whatever that may be. Over the years, her art has evolved from painting on found objects and canvases to creating large-scale works in public spaces worldwide, guided by her iconic surreal creatures.
When asked about the inspiration behind her artworks, Hayley said “feeling homesick so far from my family, I began illustrating my emotions through wide-eyed creatures. In the process of creating them, I discovered a sense of relief, like I was releasing my feelings through the rhythm of painting. Each creature became a familiar presence, representing my inner voice as I navigated the world around me.”
Whanganui Artwork
One of Welsh’s favourite pieces she’s created is a wall she painted over in New Zealand in Whanganui. Created as part of a street art festival run by her friend and another great artist Cracked Ink. The painting had the words ‘We are the river and the river is us’ with a large, mechanical fish type creature flying with a smaller character on its back. Paying homage to the town built around a section of river. The artwork is all about working together with nature and taking on big challenges together, with the community welcoming the artwork with open arms. Even from miles away, standing on the hilltop and looking down at the town, you can still see the big fish in the distance.
Portsmouth Artwork
Another of Hayley’s favourite works is one created last September in the UK at a festival in Portsmouth. Painted onto the gable end of a family home, this meant the artist was creating an artwork for a family who came home every day. They made her feel welcome with cups of tea and biscuits, adding to the experience and sense of community ingrained in the piece. With the whole street getting behind the artwork and visiting everyday as Hayley painted. Offering up kind words and smiles as they passed by. The piece is of a creature painting a house shape around itself, with the words ‘Home is the port as your storm passes through, but remember your home can be found in you’. With the artists reminiscing by saying “I think creating artworks back in my home country will always have a place close to my heart.”
Career Highlight
When asked about the highlight in Hayley’s artist career thus far, she said “that’s a tough question because becoming a full-time artist has always been my dream.” However, one standout moment would be her first show in Miami, USA. As she’d always hoped to exhibit during Art Basel (international art fair), with her work being featured there, extremely well received and selling out!
Artist Life in Western Australia
So what is life like for an artist in wonderful WA? Well Hayley says she loves it! Along with the abundant open spaces, that open up something in her soul and her creative outlook on things, with space to imagine the impossible. She says the creative community in Western Australia has always been so welcoming, with most people in the industry trying to help each other out. With great organisations such as Form and Artsource who push creative projects, creating opportunities for local artists helping her a lot in her early career.
What Does the Future Hold for Hayley?
What can we look forward to seeing from fabulous local talent Hayley Welsh? Well her studio is always busy! Lately, she’s been quietly working on a new print release, which we can’t wait to see in the next few months. As well as a few exciting projects coming up over the next year in the UK, Europe, and the USA. If you want to keep up with Hayley’s work you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and check out her website.
This article is apart of Perth Vibes initiative ‘Artist Spotlight’, which highlights the best locally grown artists, their stories and their art!
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Top Image Credit: Hayley Welsh
