Meilena Hauslendale became a professional artist in 1998 and soon after started her own company called Silence Speaks.
"I never intended to become an artist," Meilena says. "That was not my goal. I was a radio DJ. I was a writer. I was many things, but I was not an artist, not through my own eyes.
"After living in New York for a while, I returned to Erie, PA once more. I made a change that would have a tremendous impact on the rest of my life, I volunteered to AmeriCorps. I told the government I will go wherever my skills are needed. I was sent to Gilroy, CA. The project had unexpectedly closed and that was when my introspect truly began. I had no money and I don't think I was supposed to at that time.
"I had bare walls, a suitcase of clothes, a few books, a few sheets of paper, a Sharpie Marker, watercolors, and a sponge that someone gave me. I taped four sheets of paper together and got out my marker and the rest is history."
Interviewer: What kind of art do you create?
Meilena Hauslendale: I create Sharpie Marker and Watercolor artwork on 18"x24" watercolor paper.
Interviewer: Why did you become a professional artist?
Meilena Hauslendale: I became a professional artist a year ago and then I started my own company soon after called Silence Speaks. I never intended to become an artist. That was not my goal. I was a radio DJ. I was a writer. I was many things, but I was not an artist, not through my own eyes. After living in New York for a while, I returned to Erie, PA once more. I made a change that would have a tremendous impact on the rest of my life, I volunteered to AmeriCorps. I told the government I will go wherever my skills are needed. I was sent to Gilroy, CA. The project had unexpectedly closed and that was when my introspect truly began. I had no money and I don't think I was suppose to at that time. I had bare walls, a suitcase of clothes, a few books, a few sheets of paper, a Sharpie Marker, watercolors, and a sponge that someone gave me. I taped four sheets of paper together and got out my marker and the rest is history.
Interviewer: What are your favorite subjects for your artworks?
Meilena Hauslendale: I never think about what I am drawing. I believe it is my faith that uses my hands as a vehicle. My art deals with lessons I am learning about life at that time. There are no sketches, there a no premeditated thoughts.
Interviewer: What's the hardest part of creating an artwork?
Meilena Hauslendale: Art is an emotional outlet. I can't just sit down and paint. I can't just sit down and draw different subjects. It has to just come to me. And when it does, I have to sit there and let it all out. I have never redone a drawing. I could never go back to a drawing either because I have to work with the emotion I have at that moment. It's like taking a photograph, but from the inside.
Interviewer: What's your favorite part of creating an artwork?
Meilena Hauslendale: I love the freedom it gives me. There is no right or wrong for me. When the painting is complete, by that time I understand the life lesson that came from it and I am relieved and grateful.
Interviewer: What's the most exciting moment of your career so far?
Meilena Hauslendale: I think the most exciting thing for me about this career lies within Silence Speaks. I get to combine my love for volunteer work with my love of art. We donate 30% of sales at sponsored non-profit exhibits to assist in funding child abuse awareness.
Interviewer: Is it hard to make a living as an artist?
Meilena Hauslendale: When you are doing something you love so much, living is easy.
Interviewer: What did you study in school to become a professional artist?
Meilena Hauslendale: I am a self-taught artist. I never went to school for my art. My degree is in Communications.
Interviewer: What's your goal for yourself as an artist?
Meilena Hauslendale: My goal is to reach as many people as possible, if not in person, then with my art.
Interviewer: Do you have any advice for aspiring young artists?
Meilena Hauslendale: I can only say that you have to believe in yourself first, then believe in your art, and then be able to take a risk and share that with others no matter what their reaction. I became successful as an artist when I believed that who I am and what I was doing was important. Money has never been the source for what lies within.
Interviewer: Anything else you'd like to add?
Meilena Hauslendale: I believe we all have the ability to do art. I feel that perhaps we overlook that. One doesn't have to go to school to sit down and draw what is in their hearts. Maybe they will share it with others, maybe they won't. The important thing is that art is the result of their own perspective. That creates a uniqueness that no other can mimic.
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