Meet Dru Hill | Artist

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

Hi Dru, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was born into it…My mother was an artist and art teacher. She gave me the tools, drive, and the example. She taught me that life is best when you’re taking chances, learning, and creating.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My training was both in Fine Art and Commercial Art, and I’ve used both in my career life. I’ve stepped out of a straight and narrow career path several times to let art take me to different work challenges. I started my work life as a commercial artist in an agency, becoming an Art Director before going freelance. Later I began teaching and found a whole new set of challenges and rewards. What lesson would I most like to share? Take chances, try new things, and meet new people when ever possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to show visitors around Tucson. I learn new things every time, and I love to see my guests enjoyment too. On the list is a day downtown wandering around the old Presidio district with stops at the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum, the newly refurbished old courthouse with its visitor center, and the Tucson Museum of Art. I always show guests the many sculptures on the grounds of these wonderful buildings. I like to eat lunch at Cafe a la C’Art, and end the day at the Old Town Artisans for dinner (and music) outside at La Cocina. If my guests have more time I love to take a day just riding the new street car and stopping at the many sites and restaurants along the way. If my guests like to hike, we spend at least one day in Sabino Canyon. Maybe a day trip up the Catalina hiway to lookouts on Mt. Lemon. But almost always we spend a day at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother and my children. My mother set me on a creative path, and my children have all been on their own creative paths since early childhood. They have tested my ability to pass on my love of the creative process. They continue to inspire me to keep creating.

Website: drupaints.faso.com

Instagram: @drupaints