BUSINESS EXCELLENCE: Dancing between abstract and realism

For the past 10 years, Heylie Morris has been the owner of Paragon Screen Printing, handprinting for more than 15 years during which she completed a traineeship and a Certificate III in Textile Production.

“As much as I enjoy the creative side of printing, I found I needed another creative outlet in my down time,” she said.

“I have always loved painting and drawing so three years ago I picked up my brushes and have not looked back!”

Starting Vixen Designs with no art schooling or university studies has given Heylie much more freedom in developing her style.

“I wasn’t taught to paint a certain way or learnt certain techniques, I have no rules or guidelines. I have been able to produce paintings my own way,” she said.

“My techniques may not be textbook but it just works for me and I find I am dancing the fine line between abstract art and realism.

My main focus on art is Australian native plants and wildlife, especially the Black Cockatoos.

“They are a massive inspiration for me! I just love all the cockatoos which has in hand lead me to become a sponsor to the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation centre where 10 per cent of my print profits go towards helping the recovery and the release of the endangered cockies. They are just such an amazing bird with so much character that I can’t help but want to paint so many of them.”

Heylie is constantly inspired by her surroundings and feels she will continue along the path of painting birds and wildlife as well as looking forward to new creative ventures.

“I feel art can take you anywhere you want to go; whether it be literal or just your imagination.”

For more information, head to vixenboutique.com.au.