art, design and more from my studio. Created by Heidi Nielson, a hafu part-time lawyer and artist in the Sonoran desert
It really felt like a dream to be featured in This is Tucson. I spoke with reporter Elvia Verdugo earlier this month about my practice, the large role that art has played in my healing, including most recently from a miscarriage, and my love of Tucson.
She also highlighted some of my illustration and design work that I create for OHEI Studio.
Huge thank you to ThisisTucson.com ! What an amazing way to be welcomed back to the desert.
Nervous about making my podcast debut (eek!), but Nache’ Snow made it so easy it just felt like talking creative businesses with a good friend. Here is the link to the episode (and you can also find it on your favorite podcast app). I have been making my way through the archives and I learn so much from every episode and am honored Nache' had me on. Would love to hear if you listen!
Here's a short description from Nache' about what we cover in the episode: In this episode, Heidi discusses why she chose to be a lawyer by day and an artist during her “off” hours. We discuss how the 100 Day Project gave her momentum, the importance of being intentional with your business, and why setting clear goals are important. We also chat about how she’s been able to use her art to celebrate and support lawyers of color, to include partnering with others to support funds for future attorneys. Additionally, we discuss the impact of COVID on her business and how this mental health advocate took the time to slow down.
📷: headshot by the talented Elizabeth Moon.
All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. I’ve sadly lost too many loved ones to suicide and want to be part of the movement to give others hope and to try to take the stigma out of discussions of mental health. It’s something that I still really struggle to talk about, but it’s something that so many people struggle with and I know I’ve benefited so much from people who are brave enough to share their stories. I’m lucky I’ve had a lot of support, both from loved ones and by slowly learning to advocate for myself and others in the healthcare world, something that used to terrify me.
To help raise awareness this month and for anyone who needs a reminder, I’m making this print available as a free download. You can download it directly here or you can join my newsletter to get the link sent straight to your inbox. I send out monthly downloadable prints to subscribers and would love to have you as part of our community.
You are loved and you matter. The world is a better place with you in it.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support via phone or chat for people in distress, resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Includes information on finding your local crisis center. Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Website: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Desert 2 District Design II Painting our Wedding Ceremony
My guy and I are celebrating a special day today--our wedding anniversary!
Two years have really flown by, but I can still perfectly remember the sunshine, the slight breeze and the butterflies in my stomach on our wedding day when I saw this view filled with our friends and family and M waiting for me under the arch my dad built. I wanted to do something special to celebrate and re-create our wedding ceremony space in paint. I had been thinking recently that I've never actually painted anything for him. Many of my friends and family are probably getting sick of the number of paintings and handmade gifts I've given them over the years, but since the two of us have been together so long and share finances, we tend to travel in lieu of gifts. But this year, I decided to do something special and I have to say that I get the same little butterflies in my stomach every time I pass this on the wall. It reminds me of our beautiful day in the desert two years go.
I meant to create a process video, but did remember to take at least a few process photos so you can see the scene materialize.
I tried my hardest to keep this a secret from M, but (1) I'm terrible I keeping surprises and (2) we share a small apartment and my small space studio is directly in front of the door to our bedroom, so he knew about halfway through the painting, but he was really touched and we're both happy to have such a special day memorialized in paint.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
I'm Heidi, the creator and owner of Desert 2 District Design. I moved to D.C. in 2015 after spending most of my life in Arizona. I absolutely love D.C., but found myself a little homesick and missing some of my favorite desert plants (cacti, of course), the endless sunshine, and the laid-back vibes of the Southwest, so I started painting as a way to unwind and to bring some of the desert to my new home. It's been almost a year since I started my Instagram account, and I've been so surprised and grateful to find this beautiful and supportive community of artists and art lovers.
If you know me from Instagram, you probably know that I love to paint (mostly watercolor), letter, bullet journal, and collage. I'm hoping to share more of my art here, but to also share more of myself--my love of travel, reading, cooking delicious vegan food, and yoga.
I hope you'll follow along and say hi!