Meet Heather Hancock | Artist | Heather Hancock Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Hancock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I began my journey in healthcare, thriving in hospitals as a speech-language pathologist and later as a rehabilitation administrator. The fast pace and collaborative spirit fueled my passion for helping people recover and embrace life, with creative, individualized care.

Along the way, I realized that living well means more than just physical health—it involves finding beauty and inspiration in our surroundings. Combining my understanding of human cognition with my love for making, I established my own studio to create engaging, interactive art.

Running a creative business is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to infuse spaces—homes, offices, hotels, and healthcare facilities—with energy and vitality. Through bold contrasts and shimmering reflectance, my art breathes life into every environment, enhancing well-being and inspiring those who encounter it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.
My art blends glass inlay with rugged concrete textures to create captivating, tactile, and dimensional pieces. Drawing from my healthcare background, I infuse my work with energy and vitality. These pieces aren’t static—they dance with light, transforming as you move around them for an endlessly mesmerizing experience. I find inspiration where nature and urban landscapes intersect. Amidst the rigid lines of city life, I’m fascinated by the fluid, ever-changing natural world and strive to recreate these moments in my art. I aim to help people see the world in new ways, finding beauty in unexpected places and staying connected with nature. Seeing my art spark joy, evoke emotion, and transform spaces fulfills my purpose as an artist.

How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
My journey as an artist has been marked by constant learning, pushing the boundaries of my materials and ideas. From initial sketches and material experimentation to now, where I’m tackling massive multi-panel lobby installations, each piece brings new narratives and techniques to discover. Building a creative practice from scratch has been a marathon, not a sprint. Finding coherence in my vision took persistence, and overcoming loneliness led me to develop a network of fellow creatives. Facing the fear of leaving a stable job and the vulnerability of sharing my art has been challenging. But embracing these challenges has fueled my growth and resilience. This journey has been about unwavering focus and continual evolution, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Here are 4 essentials I keep coming back to:
1. Build a Support Team: Surround yourself with a tribe that uplifts and inspires you. Their encouragement fuels your creative momentum. Delegate tasks like bookkeeping, marketing, or sales to focus on your strengths.

2. Embrace Rejection: Rejection is just redirection. Use it as a compass steering you towards the right opportunities. Every ‘no’ brings you closer to your perfect ‘yes.’

3. Trust Your Instincts: Follow your curiosity like a treasure map. The thrill of exploring new ideas and bringing them to life is pure magic. Even if you can’t articulate why, trust your instincts to guide you.

4. Be Your Own Boss: There’s nothing more empowering than following your vision and staying true to your beliefs. Every decision adds more beauty to the world—what’s more empowering than that?

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Simply put, I believe in creating spaces where everyone can flourish. Art is not just decoration; it’s a vital component of living well, fostering growth, connection, and enrichment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here are some of my top favorites for a long weekend in Denver.
Thursday Evening: Kick off with breathtaking sunset views of the mountains from the back patio of Joy Hill Pizza (1229 S Broadway).

Friday: Start with an invigorating urban hike along the 2-mile Dry Gulch Trail. For lunch, savor mouthwatering sandwiches at Leven’s Deli (123 West 12th Avenue). Dive into Denver’s art scene at David B. Smith Gallery, Robischon Gallery, K Contemporary (all in easy walking distance downtown on Wazee), and Redline Gallery (make sure you get the community studio tour with Gonzo, 2350 Arapahoe St). Explore murals and boutiques in RiNo, then head to Work & Class (2500 Larimer St) in Five Points for a feast of southern and Latin American cuisine.

Saturday: Drive to Boulder, have breakfast bowls at Illegal Pete’s, and enjoy mountain vistas on the Peak to Peak Hwy. Hike from West Magnolia Recreation Area, then visit Nederland for chai and baked goods at New Moon Bakery and unique finds at Sweet Sue’s. Return to Denver for a Mediterranean dinner at Ash’Kara (2005 W 33rd Ave).

Sunday: Stroll along the 2.5-mile trail at Sloan’s Lake, soaking up city and mountain views. Wrap up with lunch and coffee at Side Pony (4635 W Colfax Ave #100).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My family—Cam, Clio, and Milo—have been my biggest cheerleaders. Their unwavering support, along with the camaraderie of my creative community, has been invaluable. Special shoutout to writer Jessica Littmann and artist Dana DeAno for their support and creative energy. I feel incredibly fortunate!

Website: https://www.heatherhancock.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhancock.studio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-hancock-4a1b235/

Image Credits
studio portrait of Heather Hancock image credit: Tony Favarula

All other art images by Heather Hancock