Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Hannevik
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in a home in Atlanta, GA with a Norwegian mother and an American father. My mother was an artist, as was her mother, my grandmother. More than anything my mother taught me two big things – how to observe beauty and how to appreciate color. My own art practice started later in life after the birth of my daughter in 2003. I started creating art pieces for children’s room and when we moved to Busan, South Korea in 2008, my art practice exploded. In Korea, the inspiration was everywhere. Traditional textiles, painting, tea ceremonies, flower arranging and so much more. It was here I started my business. I participated in four group exhibitions and sold my work in galleries and at markets. After moving home to Oslo, Norway in 2011, I put my art on hold to become educated as a teacher and ever since have balanced my teaching with my art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After moving home from Korea in 2011 (before social media) there was really no way into the art world, in Oslo, if you did not have an art degree or didn’t have connections. I assumed it would be easier. This was a low point in my life. Despite walking away from my art for 10 years, I found it again and it now the consistency of daily studio time adds so much to my life. A space to express myself and to care for myself. As an artist one learns so much about one’s inner world while creating art. My art practice has really been the therapy I needed to become the person I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself a collage artist, but the work I do can incorporate mark making, illustration or embroidery. I use found paper in most of my work. I am so draw to the muted colors, faded ink and old fashioned handwriting. Mixing these bits with bold shapes and colors creates a story of then-and-now. It feels like bridging the gap between what was and what is. I create what I call character collages which is a odd creature with huge features and a bit of a bewildered expression. I often incorporate some text in the character collage paintings, which can serve as a reminder or just something relatable. I have started painting abstract botanical shapes – mixed, of course, with old papers. I think I am most know for the big red lips of my character collages – part of my logo as as well.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I think Covid really taught me how to accept what is. How to create the best possible surroundings in the midst of uncertainty. Spending long stretches of time at home and in my studio, I really started to value patience. How art takes time, how much one can grow and heal in silence. I have a new found appreciation of quiet. I love being at home and surround myself with beauty, animals and good food. Small things in life that are the most valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahhannevik.no/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahjohanneart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahHannevik
- Other: https://no.pinterest.com/sarahjohanneart/
Image Credits
All pictures taken by me.