We recently connected with Frances Hahn and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Frances thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I became an artist after working in interior designer for a number of years working for a architecture and then an interior design studio. I was lucky enough to carve a full time practice out for about five years before returning to a “regular” job after making the decision that it was a lot of pressure on my creative process to exist as a full time artist and single parent. Though this might seem like a failure in some ways, it absolutely allowed me to step into my identity as an artist: I was more fully an artist in my perspective, thought process and workflow than ever. And more full of ideas. My artistic practice distinguishes me from other designers because it allows me to be less attached – to make my ideas less precious because it have multiple outlets for creativity. And in turn, my painting practice is influenced by the colours and patterns of my design world.

Frances , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I came to painting late in life, but it’s no surprise: my mother was an artist and my life growing up was full of art. I went to school for design and always dabbled in watercolour, but in 2013 took up a more serious practice and taught myself to paint with oils, how to stretch canvas and build my own stretchers. As a self-taught painter I often hear that I’m not using the paint correctly or that my paintings look like watercolor. In many ways I’m still exploring the capability of the materials: I’ve just started painting people on linen instead of canvas. The linen provides a super smooth surface and I’m painting with larger blocks of bright color and more geometric shapes than ever. And maybe this is getting me closer to communicating the joy and vibrancy that is distinct in my work. So it’s taken 10 years to get here, but I might have found my favourite materials that allow me to show ambivalence – two emotions equally balanced.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I began working with an art coach after a particularly bad art fair. I hadn’t sold enough to cover my booth fee and was heading home with a truckload of beautiful but unsold work feeling very sorry for myself. I paused by the dumpster on the loading dock as I left the fair and I actually paused there wondering if I should just put all my paintings in the dumpster and drive off. I averted that disaster and got home with enough chutzpah to finally seek out some professional art advice. I got the details of an artist consultant from a fellow artist and set up a call. After about five or six years of trying to navigate a business I really knew very little about – I mean how many of us where trained in marketing. finance, sales and making art – I was able to ask a professional how to move forward and where to put my focus. I’ve worked with a couple of consultants now who have each helped me immensely. Most of all I was able to get unstuck when I thought I was lost and feel less alone. I would highly recommend seeking advice from a professional in your field.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Quite possibly I was always meant to be an artist – from a very young age I was making things with my hands and putting them into the world. And as life got more complex I made more and more, not only because I loved the materials and needed to keep my hands busy, but because it helps me be fully immersed in an activity. Painting or drawing or composing a collage is that flow state for state me: effortless concentration. I urge everyone to find this activity for themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.franceshahn.com
• Instagram: @franceshilaryhahn

Image Credits
Michelle Peek Photography