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

Hi Cory, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to be able to create the artwork I wanted to see in the world. It gives me an opportunity to express myself without the restrictions of someone else’s opinions and ideas. While I do take on clients from time to time, I use my business as a platform and catalyst for my own artwork and creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am most proud of how far I have come and evolved as an abstract artist. Being a classically trained artist and creating realism in college – having the opportunity to explore and grow as an abstract artist is liberating. Having graduated from undergraduate with a BA in Painting and then obtaining an MFA in Graphic Design I enjoy the ability to blend the two styles and disciplines. It was not an easy process to figure out how to take the geometric designs in my graphic work to the canvas and translate into abstract paintings. It has taken me years to work and develop a style I feel is representative of my abilities and ideas.

Working as an artist has never been easy. It is full of rejection and challenges; however I have learned to be patient and never give up. By continuing to put myself out there as an artist I have found the joy in the challenge and the realization that the market is saturated and competitive. I have been lucky to meet people along the way that have supported and believed in my work. They have helped me stay true to my passion and continue to develop my work.

I want the world to know that I am here to stay. That I will continue to explore and push the discipline of combining graphic design and fine art. I enjoy challenging that idea and bringing it to life on the canvas.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Charleston is one of the best cities in the world in terms of food and historic sites. My favorite restaurants are Stellas, Chez Nous, Sorghum and Salt and for breakfast Basic Kitchen, Paige’s Okra Grill or Charleston Deli in Summerville. For bars I would definitely recommend stopping by The Azalea Bar in Summerville, grabbing a sunset drink at The Watch, or a glass of wine at Uncork. The Gibbes Museum is a must see as well taking time to just simply wander the streets of downtown Charleston. The architecture is unreal and there is a quiet peacefulness to the streets south of Broad Street. Charleston also has amazing art and galleries, and if anyone is ever here on an art walk night – it is a must do!

Website: http://www.modernsouthstudio.com

Instagram: artistcoryhines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistcoryhines

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