All Elements Lead To Steele Henry
Sometimes your world collides with another and you feel this chemistry...an appreciation for life, nature, and love. that is how i feel about about the collection: Steele Henry.
Adorned in these beautiful pieces, I am constantly reminded of the space around me. I sat down (via email interview) to discuss my ideas on peace and stillness, what is currently inspiring me, and other elements of life. Read below.
What environment do you hail from? What elements of that have impacted your journey thus far?
I was born and raised in southern California, where beauty is everywhere. I feel extremely lucky to call this coastline home. I spent my childhood outdoors and grew up surfing so nature is important to me. In a world where everything is digital, including my job, it keeps me rooted being able to unplug and be present. I have an incredible home base as well, I pinch myself daily with gratitude for my family.
What is your work? And what, if anything, in your personal life has influenced that?
It is always a difficult task for me to label my work. By label, I am an influencer, creating artistic campaigns, and also sharing personal parts of my life. Through the process of this all, I make an effort to stay authentic to myself and my roots. As much as I am inspired by the ever-changing force of the Fashion Industry, the element of a slow life is satisfying to me and it is there where I find peace.
How do you balance a fast-paced, artistic lifestyle with peace and solitude? What are some of your rituals in doing so? (Daily or otherwise…)
A few daily rituals I love include waking up early, around 5:30am and taking a few moments while I heat my kettle for fresh coffee. I give my dog lots of love in the meantime as well, then I’m out the door before 6:30am for yoga. Surfing is another thing that really keeps me grounded, the force of it entirely is very metaphorical to life. It could be a peaceful morning, but when it’s rough you can’t give up or else you will go backwards. Pushing through will get you past the waves to where the ocean is calmest; it is beautiful out there. A few other things that keep me balanced really are simple things. Thrifting, walking my dog, being surrounded by friends, road trips.. I love cooking and being at home with someone I love.
Could you talk a bit about your creative process... What inspires you, and why? What is often your first action step in going from concept to creation?
Constantly surrounding myself with inspiration is huge for my creative process. I truthfully grab inspiration from everywhere; color, landscape, music, architecture, materials. Pinterest is great, it’s as if all of my visual inspiration is in one place. It might sound repetitive, but I am really inspired by natural sources right now— from designing my home, to the fabrics I wear, and the products I put on my face. I love it! I’ve learned that conceptualizing a project can only get you so far. Often times you can envision a direction you want something to go, but most often when you execute it creatively, it alters a little— sometimes into something you love even more. You just have to start.
What's next for you? What do you currently feel inspired to create?
I’ve come to a point in my young life where I am really inspired to be present and to work hard, but also be excited at the things ahead. I am currently in the midst of finding & buying a home a little closer to the coast, so I am super inspired in the process of creating a home again. I am also inspired to produce more artistic campaigns with companies I am passionate about, both familiar and new. Meeting new people and connecting with them is one of my favorite parts of my job.
What does "Beauty" mean to you?
What one exudes in intimate moments of happiness…. taking care of yourself and taking care of others.
A Few Favorites:
Thank you Meagan for the interview, and for the beautiful inspiration you share.