ARTIST STATEMENT
My work draws influence from Americana, fables, folk tales, and protest art. Incorporating surreal and fantastical elements, I use this subject matter to contemplate personal narrative, contemporary politics, and humanity's future. For example, I’m interested in the ways that objects like flags, banners, and signs held at protests are canvases on which people project possibility and alternate, optimistic futures.
I’m also interested in how animals and nature have deep symbolic meaning. Different animals and symbols appear multiple times across different paintings. I incorporate surrealist and fantastical elements into my work to symbolize the possibility of the human imagination and ingenuity as we consider our collective future.
My paintings are small, intimate vignettes, reflecting both broader political meaning as well as deeply personal ones. I use colorways and organic shapes to imbue my work with a feminist sensibility.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Hannah is an artist and educator, and organizer based in Washington, DC. She received her BA in American Studies and Studio Art from the University of Virginia in 2020. She received her Master of Teaching in Secondary Social Studies Education in 2021, also from the University of Virginia.
She currently teaches middle school social studies in Arlington, VA. She finds deep fulfillment in teaching young people how to read, write, and communicate while also learning about American history.