Heather Day is hungry for life experiences. An abstract artist with deep environmental and social awareness, she regularly escapes into the wild and silent woods or any natural spot, and seeks connections with people who inspire her. Day, who lives in San Francisco and works from a studio in Oakland, transfers everything into her paintings—energetic dialogues between line and color on canvas that have been exhibited from the Affordable Art Fair in New York City to Soho House in Los Angeles.

Here at home, tech workers have interfaced with Day's canvases and murals at the offices of Google; Dropbox also commissioned a permanent installation for its offices in Seattle. Currently, Day is working on a large mural for Craftsman and Wolves' upcoming second location in Mission Bay; commissioned by chef/owner William Werner, Day says, "He left the project completely open-ended...He told me to go in there and do my thing."

Day's colorful paintings will also grace a capsule collection of printed dresses and tops for local clothing line Bon Mot this October. Like Werner, proprietor Rebecca Rauth found Day on Instagram and fell in love with her art.

The clothing collaboration made Day think about her personal approach to fashion. “My style is very minimal, even in the choice of colors," she says, drawing a clear contrast between her sartorial expression and her work. "My art is very colorful, so for my personal style I go for black, deep green, gray, and denim." Also a propopent of shopping American-made, Day's favorite brands include such locals as Everlane and Steven Alan, and jewelry from Little Paper Planes.

Style icon

Emma Watson. She is my age and very modest—I like her minimal, modern outfits. She's also an active advocate for gender equality.

Art heroes

Anish Kapoor, Judy Pfaff, Helen Frankenthaler

Epiphany

When I went to a movie for the first time by myself. I watched “Listen to Me Marlon," a documentary about how Marlon Brandon discovered he was just a human being. It made me realize the importance of being honest in my art.

Oakland experience

I love First Fridays in Oakland. Once a month, everyone is there to celebrate art. There is no rule, there is no right or wrong. Everyone is there just to be inspired by artists and to enjoy the moment.

San Francisco stroll

Valencia Street and the Mission. Although the neighborhood is changing because of the gentrification, I can still find a sense of community.

Public artwork

I love seeing Zio Ziegler's work around the city.

Culture fix

I go often to the de Young Museum to shop or to enjoy the view from the top floor. Also, Athen B. Gallery in Oakland—they are very active about spreading art in the Bay Area.

Day off

Lands End. My last paintings where inspired by this corner. I like to go there, sit in the woods, and just do some sketches.

Fall fashion must

Freda Salvador boots

Medium

My new favorite material is spray paint.

Best advice

My grandmother once told me that “I have people." It means that there are always people ready to support and encourage me. I found this to be true when I moved to the Bay Area—people here are all trying to make things happen and really support each other.