Meet Trulee Hall | Artist/Filmmaker/Musician

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

Hi Trulee, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks, going out on a limb alone in the dark forest of the unknown- sure that can be scary! But I’d rather fail than be boring enough to not try! Making art, for me (its obviously not for everyone), is an externalization of an irrationally brave vulnerability. It can certainly feel like spreading out your low budget guts on a platter for all to judge! But I can’t worry too much about what other people think or it would be impossible to take the kind of leaps of faith that edgy, juicy art requires. Many artists figure out whatever sells and replicate it. At most they may make minor variations, depending on what’s in fashion at the moment, but most work is made like a seasonal muffin recipe. I prefer to be fully engaged with my art, which means continually experimenting and accepting new self-imposed challenges. In general, people crave something novel! Often my most impractical projects are the most successful. The most significant payoff for taking risks is feeling fully alive and deeply fulfilled. It’s soooo worth it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Comprised of video, sculpture, paintings, original soundtrack, kinetic mechanics, and choreographed dance, my work challenges typical notions of viewing art. I aim to create an unexpectedly colorful, humorous, erotic, uncanny and surreal experience. By offering different versions of the same subject and multiple layers of representation, I invite the viewer to be an active participant in the work, as they assimilate and weave together shifting and relative variables. My work challenges normative patriarchal structures and reclaims space for radically diverse kinds of femininity.

I have always known I am an artist and musician. That comes easily to me and without question. It was initially difficult to get to a place where I am making whatever I want full time and making a living of it. How did I get to that place? The road is going to be different for everyone, but for me it’s a few main things. You have to continue every day to make the work you want to make, stay true to your vision, challenge yourself and never give up. You also have to be in the right place a the right time to meet other people who share your interests. So much of the connections I have now are just from word of mouth. You have to put yourself out there, be brave about it. In that way you’ll be most likely to find the people who are naturally drawn to your work, and they will enjoy supporting you!

If any of this sounds interesting to you, check out my work! It’s not for everyone, and that’s totally okay! I currently have a large-scale sculpture/video installation at MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles), and I’m in the process of finishing a musical film/installation for LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art).

I’m super thankful to everyone who has helped me out on this journey! I’d love to encourage anyone who feels deeply called to be an artist, musician, dancer, writer, spiritual teacher, ect. to deeply honor that part of themselves and make time/space for it. Allow yourself to be even more present and alive, no matter what it is you like to do!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My advice on experiencing LA depends very much on where people are from, their age and interests. BUT, pretending that I’m giving suggestions to someone with no kids who is very much like me… I’d avoid all the normal “Hollywood” tourist stuff. Wherever you are staying, explore there for a day, but also on a journey to several totally different parts of the city. There are so many alternate worlds, all a few miles apart. Ask anyone you chat with what their favorite spots are, its a huge city and each area has its own charm that only locals will know about. Go see the show(s) at MOCA Geffen and then and have sushi and/or ramen in Little Tokyo. Get some edibles at a dispensary and spend the day at a far away rocky beach like El Matador. Visit the Griffith Observatory and hike trails in Griffith Park. Spend an hour picking out your favorite meal at Grand Central Market, then walk up the hill to MOCA Grand Ave and the Broad Museum. Rent bikes or scooters and ride the LA river trail, followed by tacos at a local taco truck. If you an an artist like I am, go gallery hopping on Saturday night. If you love music, find a small venue in Echo Park or Downtown to go hear your version of good music. To enjoy LA, its best not to try to do more than a couple areas in a day without carefully mapping out proximity, travel time and rush hour(s), as you may find yourself frustrated and in the car waaaay longer than you anticipated. LA is vast and it can be an acquired taste. Take notice of the unusual plants and try to have fun, even while in the car. Treat of travel as part of the party!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I could easily write out a long list of people who have helped me along the way! But if I have to pick one… someone who has been super supportive in all the ways since the early days, I’d like to shout out to my dear friend, John Rubeli. He is a music executive, contemporary art collector, museum trustee, philanthropist, coffee roaster and awesome father! John has been a loyal collector of all variations of my work, from sculpture to video to painting to music ect, He has been super helpful to me in learning the art of negotiation and in helping me navigate the art world. It’s wonderful to have someone who gets my work who I know is always there cheering for me! I know I’m only supposed to pick one person, but I simply also must include his amazing and supportive wife Stacy Rubeli in this as well. John would agree that he is a mega lucky human to have her as a fun, brilliant, positive and loving partner in all aspects of art and life! I love you both! Thank you!

Website: truleehall.com

Instagram: @truleehall