Tell us about yourself?

I’m Hannah, I’m an LA based visual artist, working out of my bedroom studio in Highland park. I’m originally from Minneapolis and moved to LA about 2 years ago, so in many ways I am still getting acquainted with the city. Recently I’ve stepped into drawing on clothing, though historically I’ve focused on working with graphite and ballpoint to make figurative works on paper. Coming from Minneapolis I spent a lot of time doing tattoos with friends and hanging out at DIY spaces which has heavily influenced my aesthetic. I’m currently back in   the midwest (St. Louis) for the fall and am gathering lots of inspiration for the next season of my career. 

How long have you been drawing? When did it become serious?

I have been drawing since I could   hold a pencil. I’m the youngest of 3, and I would copy anything that my siblings would do. My family isn’t necessarily artistic, but I remember my sister liked to draw so I picked it up from her. I think I became interested in making artwork because it came naturally to me and I have always enjoyed doing things alone. I was into art all through elementary school and high school, and went to college for art after that. Drawing has always been my main (sometimes only) outlet, so it’s always felt serious- but this past year it has picked up more than ever. I have worked in the service industry since I was 16 and quit my serving job back in August to step into art full time; so this is the most serious it has ever been! 

From music or art, who or what inspires your style of drawing? Are there any artists that have been significant in your profession as an artist?

Lately, I have been looking to vintage magazines and children’s books, punk flyers, tattoo flash, and anything bootleg for inspiration. I try to keep my head on a swivel out in the world for interesting graphics and funny or strange signage to draw from- it’s everywhere in older parts of the city. I love overlapping imagery and striking patterns; and using that to create a composition that can hold its own from a distance and becomes more interesting the closer you get.

I definitely have been influenced by two of my closest friends: Lauren Roche, who is the co-founder of Shop 69 Tearz as well as an incredible fine artist. We have had an artistic codependency since we became friends and are constantly checking in with each other about what we are making and encouraging one another. We have very different styles but similar subject matter, and she is the person who invited me/introduced me to drawing on clothes. My other friend, Rachel Corradi, is a total visionary. We shared a studio space in Minneapolis for 4+ years and she has seen me through many stages of finding my artistic voice. That studio is definitely where it all began, and I wouldn’t be where I am without all of the time we spent together there. 

What are your personal favorite drawings that you’ve created?

I don’t know if I can pinpoint any favorites, usually there is one thing I love so much in each drawing I make. I’m always chasing the high of when I make something that captures exactly what I want it to. That feeling is definitely something that keeps me motivated artistically. 

Do you consider yourself an introverted or extroverted person?

Introverted! I love socializing but need very little to feel satisfied.

Do you follow any rituals when you are drawing?

Nothing too serious, I do like to have a clean and organized space to start working in. It’s like cleaning the kitchen before you start a big project- you need to have a blank canvas otherwise it will feel too chaotic (or maybe that’s just me!). I also like to make sure I’ve eaten, have coffee on hand, and am wearing something comfortable. Basically I take away any opportunity or excuse to get distracted to make sure I can really focus. I also like to burn some incense and put on a tape if I’m feeling vibe-y, though I prefer working in silence when I’m really in the zone. 

How would you say your creative vision and aesthetic were formed? Do you have any childhood memories of how your interests led to art? 

My aesthetic has definitely formed slowly and in many ways just through trial and error. I look back on when I was in art school studying illustration and making things that look quite different from what I like to make now. It was a lot of copying what artists I looked up to were doing and seeing how it felt until gradually I had practiced so much drawing and conceptualizing that I realized I could kind of make whatever I want, pulling from all of those influences and my skills from practicing. I was always interested in drawing women, and for years I was hyper focused on making work that was really steeped in femininity. I think that will always be the backbone of what I like to make as it draws from my experience, but currently I am really interested in making things that are a little more neutral and relatable to all kinds of people. It feels like exercising my brain to draw things I have never really tried to draw before, which is keeping me excited right now.

As a kid, all I ever wanted to do was draw or do some version of creation. I remember I would sit for hours and do what I called “play drawing” which I think was essentially making a comic but I would just make pages upon pages of some elaborate story I’d come up with as I was drawing. I feel lucky because I’ve never had to interact with not knowing what to do with myself- I always knew I wanted to be an artist.