Artist Spotlight: Hannah Lane
Hannah Lane is a newer addition to our represented artists and we are over the moon to have her work in our space! This Thursday, May 2nd 6-8pm is the exhibition opening of Southern Accents, and Hannah Lane is 1 of 6 featured artists in this fresh, fearless and female group show! Originally from Baton Rouge, LA the Nashville based artist creates these mesmerizing and saturated works of art that is made of layers and layers of paint and paper. The inclusive and illustrative content of her work inspires love and compassion. Read on to learn more about this wonderful woman, her life + studio practice!
When did you start your career in art?
“I started my art career during college. I got my first freelance gig illustrating a children’s book while earning my BFA at The Savannah College of Art and Design.”
How long have you known you wanted to be an artist?
“I have known since about the 6th grade that I wanted to be a professional visual artist. I thought I wanted to be a Disney Animator.”
Describe your aesthetic in three words: “gestural, bold, whimsical”
Describe your artistic process and preparation—How do you start your creative process?
“I meditate and journal first thing in the morning everyday. That clears my mind for creativity to flow when I get in the studio. When I walk into the studio around 9am, I am ready to work. I divide my practice into blocks: painting blocks, administrative blocks and prepping blocks (color mixing, photography, ordering supplies, shipping etc) and depending on my energy and the light outside, I divide and conquer my list.”
“I love to put the most contrasting colors beside each other on the canvas. Using saturated colors in my work is natural to me- an unconscious choice, more based on instinct.”
Favorite piece you’ve painted to date—why?
“My Crowd Series brings me so much joy because it is rooted in my Southern upbringing, family and connection. Each piece is exciting because I adjust the colors, symbols and titles to the season and what I am taking in during that time. I enjoy the process of finding and pigmenting new papers. There is so much love, thought and preparation that goes into each Crowd and a couple of my favorites from that series are: “Rise with the Crowds” “Soul Symbols” and “We are Spirit Animals””
Who inspires you personally and/or professionally?
“Professionally: Author/Illustrator-Eric Carle, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah, Brene Brown.”
“Personally: Layla Messkoub-friend and fellow artist, Rowanne Mcknight-friend and mentor. I am drawn to strong creative women and mothers who don’t apologize for their “bad-assness”, dreams or goals. Who follow their creative journeys and are putting something positive and beautiful out into the world. The women who are contributing to their community and uplifting those around them.”
What challenges do you think exist in the world of fine art?
“It can be challenging when you first start out to know what direction to go in ( what to say yes and no to), the value of your work, how to not compare yourself or your accomplishments to others and how to tune out your inner critic & the opinions of others that are irrelevant.”
How do you approach/overcome them?
“Time and experience are important (I have been working as a professional artist for 14 years) I also think it is very important to cultivate a deep and meaningful studio practice so that you are creating from your own personal experience. If you stay true to yourself and show up consistently to do the work, your opportunities will flow in and out naturally. Lastly, having a mentor(s) is key.”
Biggest accomplishment to date (personally and/or professionally)?
“Personally, I am over the moon proud of my family: my husband Todd and son Wylie. They are my whole world. Professionally: I am proud to be a visual Artist in a world that needs more joy and connection, my Crowd diptych was purchased for & hangs in the Nashville Courthouse as part of Metro Arts initiative to put original art in all the Metro Buildings downtown, I am proud to have the wonderful gallery relationships I do and mostly I am proud to be part of such a thriving and supportive art community here in Nashville. As a member of the Nashville Artist Collective, we choose an area non-profit every 2 months and a portion of every painting purchased through the collective goes to support that non profit. We are giving back to our community in a meaningful way and that is so important.”
Favorite location to paint/what is your studio like? Top 3 studio must-haves?
“I love working in my home studio; it has tall ceilings, lots of natural light, great energy and I can run downstairs for snacks or coffee in the middle of a paint session. Top 3 studio must haves: earbuds and a great line up of podcasts and audiobooks, coffee, and a positive attitude!”
“My studio is a sacred space for me. I clear and reactivate it daily by lighting candles, burning sage and walking around the room setting intentions and prayers for my work and everyone who enters my studio.”
A random fact about you:
“1. I backpacked through Europe (to 9 different countries in 2 months) after college.
2. I could probably eat sushi and/or seafood everyday if you let me. I especially love little briny East Coast oysters with a glass of champagne.”
Favorite place to vacation? And/or dream trip?
“Anywhere near a beach and blue water. We just took a family trip to Kauai in December and it was magical. I would go back to Thailand, Mexico, or Costa Rica but also have been dreaming of Bali, Bora Bora, Portugal- honestly anywhere with a beautiful beach!”
Favorite color/medium to work with?
“I love anything in the aqua and sea-foam family and my favorite medium is pigmented paper, acrylic and oil pastel.”
What are you currently reading?
“The River by Peter Heller and Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb”
What are you currently listening to?
“I am a podcast junkie- some of my favs are Goop, Good Life Project, Rich Roll, Happier, How I Built This, The Mind Body Green Podcast, Ali on the Run, Second Life and Oprah’s Master Class. I also just finished The Path Made Clear by Oprah and To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins.”
What would you be doing if you were not an artist?
“Hmmmm, not really sure. I dream about running a company that helps underprivileged women become entrepreneurs and gives back to all the causes I am passionate about. And whatever company that was, I would incorporate yoga and art somehow.”
One thing you couldn’t live without?
“Bubble Baths”
If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
“Richard Branson- he seems like he truly enjoys his life.”
Dream commission?
“Reese Witherspoon! I met her in person a couple years ago and she is just so friendly and Southern and a champion for women. I would die if she called me up and wanted to come visit my studio and commission a painting.”
What do you want your audience to know about your work?
“My work is my absolute joy and life purpose. When you buy one of my paintings, you are getting all the light and intention I put behind my God given gift. I feel honored to connect with collectors on that level and for my art to live in and elevate peoples most sacred spaces.”
What do you think, makes your work unique?
“My process (using mixed media & pigmented papers) combined with the subjects that ring true to my life make my collections unique yet relatable. “
What is/was a pinnacle moment in your art career?
“Moving to Nashville 5 years ago.”
Name one goal for your career you’d like to achieve in the next 5 years:
“For my paintings to hang in more public spaces all over the country and world so that they can be enjoyed by actual “Crowds” of people.”
Check out her Pinterest Board here! + her work available at ANFA Gallery here!
Thank you so much for reading! Hope to see y’all at the opening this Thursday, May 2nd @6pm!
