We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Albert recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hannah , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned wire wrapping by teaching myself and watching many videos and tutorials online. Something I think that could have helped my learning process was having in-person/on hands help and instruction. Wire wrapping is such a tedious art form that watching videos online doesn’t always make sense, especially as a hands-on learner. One of the most essential skills needed in this art form is patience. I have a lot of patience for this art form but I still have days where I need to put the wire down and take a break. If I’m not having fun doing it, why am I doing it? One obstacle that has came in the way is comparing myself to other wire wrap artists. Wire wrapping is a unique art and each piece is going to come out in such a different way. Artists all have their own styles and trying to copy someone else is either going to leave you feeling frustrated or discouraged. I now teach beginner wire wrapping classes where I stress to all my students that each of our pieces will look different and that is okay!

When it comes to flow arts, I started practicing a leviwand in 2019. Like with my wire wrapping, I taught myself through watching videos online. After feeling comfortable with the leviwand, I picked up a hula hoop as well! Fast forward to 2021 I found a local gym that offered aerial classes. I had just had my first baby and was looking for a way to move my body that wasn’t just lifting weights. I went to my first class and struggled a lot but I always went back to class. This was the first time I was learning an art form through classes. I learned how much I love having a community that is interested in the same things.

Hannah , 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?

Now that I am thinking about it, I discovered both wire wrapping and performance art at the same festival. I went to Dancefestopia, an EDM music festival in 2019. I was walking through all of the vendors and there was a vendor called Elemental Flow Co. Their booth had all sorts of gorgeous pieces. I didn’t have much money but I wanted to support her, so I bought one of her simple $15 necklaces. On my way home I was sitting and looking at this Tiger’s Eye necklace and I thought to myself, “I could totally make this myself.” So I went to a local crystal store once I got home, I picked up some stones and wire. I was quickly humbled. The stones were a shape that was very difficult to wrap as a beginner. I got wire that was not soft wire, so it was very hard to manipulate and make into the shapes I needed. Though lots of trial and error, I make pieces that I am so proud of and It is such a meditative art for me. I now teach classes that I host for beginners. I teach my students ways and techniques I wish I had known when I started. I stress to each student that wire wrapping is a very unique art form and no 2 pieces will look alike, so try and find your own style!

At this same festival there was a fire spinning circle. Different performers with all sorts of flow props performed and put on an amazing fire spinning show. While I was sitting in awe I told myself that would one day be me. I practiced my leviwand day after day. I want to give a shout out to Kristina, Owner of DerpGear. She creates such magical leviwands and has curated such a supportive and loving flow community. She eventually sponsored me and that was such a surreal feeling.
Eventually I became comfortable enough to get a fire wand. The first time I used it was such an adrenaline rush! In 2020 I started to perform at small local bars and breweries but it never really went anywhere since my hometown was not into this type of art and performances. Now that I have moved out of my hometown, I had the opportunity to perform alongside the other amazing flow artists in The Spin Collective out of Duluth, MN. I hope to be able to perform with them again in the future!

When I moved to Duluth in 2020, the pandemic really put a pause to all of my dreams and plans. I then got pregnant and had my son in 2021. During my pregnancy and after having him I put a lot of energy and focus on making jewelry and selling it online. It actually went very well and was fun, most of the time. Eventually I got burnt out by creating to sell and not creating just for the fun of it. Finding the balance is really hard as an artist that is trying to make money on their art.

In January of 2022 I was looking for a new creative outlet since jewelry wasn’t filling my cup in the same way that it used to. I also just wanted to move my body. I googled “dance classes near me” but a link popped up for a local gym that offered aerial classes. I had always wanted to give it a try so I did. From that day on aerial arts has been such a huge part of my life. A huge thank you to all of the lead instructors at Northern Lights Aerial Studio. If it wasn’t for them I would not be in the shape I am today, both mentally and physically. 2 years later I am training to become a Jr. Aerial Instructor.

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

One of the most rewarding things about being a artist is seeing how I can impact others. Whether it be I create a special piece of jewelry for someones wedding day, or I make a child think my leviwand is magic during a performance. The different ways I can make an impact on peoples lives is the most rewarding part of being an artist.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I don’t think there is one single way to support an artist. If you have the means to do so and you like the art, support by purchasing. If it is not in your budget, simply sharing their art on social media is another fantastic way. Supporting an artist doesn’t always mean buying from them. Showing them you care and appreciate what they create means more than most realize.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flowitoutcreations.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowitoutcreations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flowitoutcreations
• Other: Below is my performance art Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/flowitout/

Image Credits
Folks Of Duluth Northern Lights Aerial Studio Alex Shumaker