climbing  meets  art =

One fearless career.

Illustration, Video, AND

Cardboard…?

My name is Hartley Bauer. I’m a multidisciplinary artist from Duluth, MN, currently based in Rochester, NY, pushing the boundaries of physical art with rebellion, punchy visuals, and densely detailed work.

I’ve been climbing for 11 years, with work experience across four gyms, six years of route-setting work, four Nationals appearances, and roles like Social Media Manager, Creative Director, and Event Director. Climbing has become inseparable from my professional life and my art.

My dream client has a need for detailed, fearless, introspective visual art.

I create high-end, intricate work on a tight budget. Challenging the notion that art has to be an expensive, inaccessible career.

I make the process clear and laid out with complete honesty.

Art + Climbing = Fearlessness. That’s my work.

A detailed hand-drawn illustration of a purple Kawasaki Ninja 400 motorcycle with a skull and various text and symbols surrounding it. The artwork includes phrases such as 'Love What You Do' and 'I'm on this earth to have a good time, not to be seen as cool.' It also features notes about the motorcycle's specifications, colors, and a quote about living in the moment.
A poster featuring a stylized illustration of a woman facing herself in the mirror. The text reads, 'The real you is within you.' Below, the text states, 'Set yourself free.' The illustration uses neon colors against a black background.

Far Left: Set Yourself Free, 2022, digital

Left: All to Myself, 2022, pen and ink

Above: Feel Alive, 2021, colored pencil and marker

What I offer:

Illustration

Graphic Design

Sculpture

Videography/Filmmaking

Apparel design

Social Media Management

Creative Direction

Event Management

Brand Identity Development

Installation Art

Check out the navigation at the top of the page for project breakdowns in all of these areas.

If you’re looking specifically for Brand Identity Development, Social Media Management, or Event Management, check out the Red Barn Climbing Gym tab.

in rock climbing, we like to say “the rock doesn’t care”

The rock can’t hear your complaints when you’re thinking, “oh I’m too short for this, I’m not strong enough, I’m too scared",” etc etc. The rock does not care. You are the one who decided to walk up to it and try to climb it.

I like to think of art the same way. You don’t need better paint brushes, more classes, expensive paper, whatever it may be. The art that’s waiting to be made and the story waiting to be told don’t care what your excuse is.

That’s the mindset that led me to create the most impactful and creative projects of my career.

Collaborations make ideas come to life. Whatever creative need you have in mind, I want to hear it.