Self-taught artist India Hines, 26, has been busy. You might have seen their work at the “Artists Among Us” exhibition while visiting Newfields or while picking up coffee at 1656 Club in Fountain Square. Hines has three artworks on display at Faye Gallery inside Soley Wine on 16th Street and a mural on the side of a Safeway in Garfield Park.
They are part of the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis’ artist residency program and have a studio there. They also host a free monthly sketch club at Tube Factory Artspace.
“Creating space for others to explore their creativity is something I really value,” said Hines.
Hines, who was born in Denver but raised in Indianapolis, said they draw upon spirituality and intuition when they create.
They describe their work, which is made of watercolor, oil, ink, pencil and occasionally ceramics, as “figurative forms and organic shapes that feel both dreamlike and ancestral.”
We chatted with the artist about their work, process and connections in the local art community.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
What do you think about being an artist in Indianapolis?
Before I started putting myself out there and attending events like First Friday, I honestly thought there wasn’t much here for artists like me. Connecting with other artists and finding spaces where I felt understood really changed that perspective. I’ve found so much community and support here, and I’m grateful for that.
You recently collaborated with local artist Ash Guynn and Patina Gallery. Can you tell us more about that project?
Patina did a call out a couple months ago for 2D artists and 3D ceramic artists to be paired up to collaborate on a plate together for the By the Hand Dinner Series.
Ash and I were paired together because we both vocalized excitement around being the vessel or pathway to communicate each other’s art. We both also expressed feeling compelled to portray imagery and feelings around our culture and lived experiences. Together we created a piece called “Reflections.”
Can you say a little bit about your Black and Melanesian heritage? You mention ancestry, myth and the human spirit in your artist bio and I’d love to know more.
My heritage is a mix of African American/Black, Fijian and Tongan ancestry. My father’s side has roots in Marion, Indiana, and he is from Indianapolis. My mother is from Aotearoa (New Zealand). On my maternal side, my family traces back to the village of Nacekoro in Cakaudrove, Fiji.
Growing up in the United States, I’ve felt somewhat disconnected from parts of my Pacific heritage. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more curious about my ancestry and interested in reconnecting with where I come from.
This exploration has become an important part of my art, particularly my interest in ancestry, generational healing and the things we carry from those who came before us.
How did you get your start with art?
I started creating art at a very young age, and it’s always been something I’ve felt drawn to.
I’m a self-taught artist, so a lot of my journey has been about teaching myself, trusting my intuition and allowing my interests and experiences to guide me. Art has become more than just something I enjoy doing. It’s a way for me to understand myself and the world around me.
What sort of work do you do now? Is it different from what you did when you first started?
My art is a reflection of my growth and the things I’m drawn to at different points in my life. When I first started, I focused mostly on drawing faces and bodies as I learned the fundamentals.
As I’ve grown and become more connected to myself and my interests, my work has grown with me. I still create figurative forms, but now I surround them with themes of identity, spirituality, introspection, nature, healing and heritage.
My practice has become a way for me to explore my inner world, understand where I come from and make sense of my experiences.
Where else can we see more of your artwork?
My studio at CAMi is open to visitors by appointment. If you’re interested in stopping by, feel free to reach out by email at indijart@gmail.com or send me a direct message on Instagram at @indijart. I’d love to have you visit!
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Chi Sherman is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at chizomasherman@gmail.com.
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