About Aries
Hi I'm Aries!
My name is Pamela Hallisey, "Aries" is not only my astrological sign, but a nickname I have had for over 35 years! Heck, there are some people who only know me as Aries, it's a name I have come to love and that truly resonates with me.
I am a self-taught artist living in beautiful Lake Carmel, NY. I have spent most of my life making art, a journey that began when I was just a child. Even when times were tough and money was short, I remember always having access to pencils, paper, and crayons. That simple access sparked a lifelong love of creating.
My earliest and most profound inspiration came from spending time with my "Poppy" in his basement workshop. Watching him create intricate dollhouses and personal plaques for our loved ones taught me a valuable lesson that I still carry with me today: I came to learn and believe that there is nothing you cannot create if it comes from love and passion and grows within your heart.
As the years went by, my love for drawing evolved into exploring many different mediums. It started simply, creating gifts for friends and family, which eventually led to making signs for vendors at the Renaissance Faires. Then, at about age 30, I discovered Pyrography (wood burning) and quickly fell in love with the medium. I was drawn to the peace I found in handling the wood, feeling the warmth as I worked, and enjoying the rich smell that instantly transported me to crisp fall nights around a campfire. I began doing custom plaques and boxes featuring subjects like beloved pets, favorite cartoons, and superhero characters.
In 2019, while working with a Real Estate Team, I was given the wonderful opportunity to create Watercolor Home Portraits for their clients. I absolutely loved the detail involved and studying the architecture of each home. But more than that, the flowing, blending nature of the water on the page completely drew me in. I knew right then that I had to find a way to bring my two favorite mediums together.
I spent all my free time figuring out how to merge Pyrography and Watercolor. I learned the precise temperatures needed to burn on paper and developed a style that truly enhances the beauty of both mediums. I refer to this unique combination as my "Fire & Water" technique. Together, they allow me to create fine art that is beautifully reminiscent of stained glass.
My first journey into combining these mediums on paper was my "Bugs!" collection, and I have since expanded into whole new territories with collections like "Birds of Prey," "Backyard Birds," and "Nocturnal creatures". Having always loved the outdoors—from spending time in the woods as a teen in Queens to now enjoying every moment of the wildlife around Lake Carmel—I strive to bring my deep love of local wildlife and nature into all my current works.
Today, I am still doing the custom work that gave me my start—including pet and home portraits, as well as pyrography on leather and wood—but I am also thrilled to be creating original pieces straight from my imagination working in multiple mediums with multiple surfaces. My art has expanded onto clothing, tote bags, and stationery, allowing people to connect with my work in everyday life.
I am incredibly honored that my works have been featured in galleries and local venues, including the Live 4 Art Gallery in Pawling, NY; Arts on the Lake in Carmel, NY; The Kent Public Library in Kent, NY; the New Milford Commissions on the Arts in New Milford, CT; and Litchfield County Artisans in Milford, CT.
Beyond galleries, I absolutely love participating in Art Fairs, Festivals, and Renaissance Faires across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. I have a full schedule of in-person events for the upcoming seasons! If you would like to know where I will be vending next, please check out my In Person Events schedule or sign up as one of my V.I.P.s to always have the most up-to-date information.
On a personal note, I have been married (I'll just say more than once!), have two beautiful adult daughters, and the universe has finally decided that this time, right now, it is time for me to seize the opportunities I've missed in the past. My husband Kevin, and my entire family—both blood and chosen—are incredibly supportive and encouraging. It is like having my own personal cheerleading team by my side! Even my fur babies, Tucker and Fester, cheer me on and inspire me every day.
Looking to the future, I hope to use my art not just to make a living, but to raise money and awareness for causes close to my heart. I currently donate 15% of all sales from my "Help" collection to Putnam Pride, and I have donated several prints and tricky trays for local school fundraisers, no-kill shelters, and pet charities. If you work with a charity looking to fundraise, please reach out—I would love to work with you!
Thank you so much for visiting my page. I truly hope my creations bring you joy, spark a memory or just make you smile, because that is my one true goal!
Aries
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