From Project Manager to Full-Time Artist: Aaron Hill’s Inspiring Journey in Asheville

Asheville: A Journey from Project Manager to Full-Time Artist

In the picturesque city of Asheville, where the mountains hug the horizon and creativity flows like a river, we find artists exploring their passions in profound ways. One such artist is Aaron Hill, an incredible painter who made a significant life change that many only dream about.

The Unexpected Turn of Events

For Aaron, the journey to becoming a professional artist was sparked by what many consider a nightmare: losing his job. According to researchers from Dartmouth, the stress of job loss ranks high alongside the anxiety of preparing for Christmas with the in-laws or even serving time in jail. But for Aaron, this moment was the start of something beautiful. Four years ago, he was working as a project manager for a sign-installation company—a position he describes as “completely uninspiring.” While he was creating art in his free time, the anchor of a steady paycheck tied him down.

When the pandemic hit, circumstance forced his hand. He received his termination notice, and instead of spiraling into despair, he chose to seize the opportunity. “I decided to literally pretend to be a full-time artist until severance ran out,” he recalls. “And then I would scurry back to the sign industry for a paycheck.” However, life had other plans for him, and it’s been four years since he made that leap—one that turned out to be anything but temporary.

A New Creative Space

Today, Aaron works out of Pink Dog Creative, a lively arts hub in the River Arts District of Asheville. Here, creativity is the air that every artist breathes. He follows his art wherever his imagination may lead him, and lately, that’s been guided by a passion for nostalgia.

His current projects revolve around recreating old family photographs, capturing not just the subjects but the precious details—the hurried cursive of a date, the dog-eared edges, or the blur caused by an energetic toddler. “Old photographs are relics from the past that have had to survive shoeboxes and closets,” he says. “I believe it’s a way for the days gone by to come alive again.” And, oh, how beautifully he does it!

The Art of Nostalgia

Aaron finds joy in the meticulousness of his work, particularly when it comes to capturing the subtle expressions of faces in tiny portraits. “Painting faces so small, so precisely, can end up being all about the perfect, tiny brushstroke to make the mouth have the slight grin that I’m seeing in the original photograph,” he explains with an artist’s gleam in his eye.

Recently, he’s been focused on replicating polaroids from his childhood in Bristol, Virginia. This project has led him to reflect on the influence of his grandad, a sign painter and artist himself. “His influence is huge on my love of art and dedication to my painting,” Aaron shares. The memories of painting billboards and lettering with his grandpa fuel his passion for artistry today.

Baseball Cards and Old Legends

In addition to family photographs, Aaron is also channeling his nostalgia into a new series of paintings based on baseball cards from his youth. He recalls fondly opening trading cards with friends, bubble gum included, and hoping for cards featuring legends like Hank Aaron and Mickey Mantle. “I’ve always been a nostalgic person,” he admits. “My art is about going back to rescue the past from being forgotten or left behind.”

What’s Next for Aaron Hill?

As Aaron continues to explore the threads of his past through his vibrant and detailed paintings, he stands as a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected curveballs in life lead us to our true passion. His journey from project manager to a full-time artist inspires all of us dreaming of following our hearts. So, where will Hill’s creative path lead him next? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: he’ll be painting his way through it, one brushstroke at a time.

If you’re looking to experience Aaron’s art firsthand, you can find him at Pink Dog Creative located at 342-348 Depot St., Suite 104, right in Asheville’s lively River Arts District. Dive into the nostalgia and creativity that Aaron Hill brings to life!