We recently connected with Hannah Robinett and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I began pursuing my art full-time in my mid 30’s. Before that, I worked as an interface designer in NYC for almost 15 years. I’m grateful to have had this time to work with other creatives in this industry because I learned so much along the way. I walked away from this being able to build my website and design my branding. If I started my art career full-time right after college, I would not have the experience I do today.
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?
Over the last 4 years, I have explored the theme of brokenness and restoration through the use of various types of grids. For me, various types of grids visually represent God creating order within my life and the world around me. These grids symbolize the fragmented nature of existence and the journey towards wholeness. While my work may appear abstract or minimalistic at first glance, it is significant in its process and execution. Every line, shape, and color choice is deliberate, contributing to the overarching narrative of renewal and transformation. Through my art, I invite viewers to contemplate the complexities of human experience and the inherent beauty found in the process of healing and growth.
For as long as I can remember I have been creative, but everything seemed to change when I fell in love with conceptual art after moving to New York City in 2006. I was fascinated by the idea that the process and concept behind the work was the most important part. Today, much of my work is inspired by this practice. Most recently, I built an interactive installation for The Affordable Art Fair in NYC. Throughout the weekend, visitors were invited to fill in the blanks on colorful slips of paper – these may have been things they wanted to let go of or get rid of in their lives. Then the papers are symbolically placed in shredders before being dumped into an 8-foot 3D grid. Over the weekend, the grid gradually filled up with the shredded responses revealing a colorful work of art. The outcome extends a gentle reminder that in our brokenness there is beauty.
If there is any advice I could share with others it would be to practice saying YES. You may be given opportunities that you feel aren’t exactly for you or don’t match your current medium. Letting my expectations go and trying new things have brought me some of the best opportunities. Whether that is painting a mural on a 250ft construction fence or building a sculpture with wood (which I have never done before!), don’t be afraid to push yourself to try something outside of your comfort zone. In my experience, every time I’m out of my comfort zone I emerge stronger and more confident.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I spent many years in therapy healing from intense childhood trauma and the death of my mother. I wasn’t very open about my therapy experience at the time as I was actively practicing healing from shame and guilt. As the years went on, I realized sharing my story could help others heal in return. I created many works of art from the notes I took in therapy which was a healing and freeing process. It has shown me that sharing more of my story helps others in the process. I took something very difficult and painful and turned it into something that has a positive lasting impact.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is creating murals for the community. I love the time I have in my studio but there is nothing better than brightening a garage door or city block. I love that people can see art without going into a museum or gallery. I think we underestimate how much of an impact these have to passersby’s on a daily basis. I have received numerous messages and emails from strangers thanking me for brightening their day or putting a smile on their face. I am so grateful to have a small part in public art but know we still have a long way to go. If you are an artist and have not applied for a public art project, try applying and see what happens. You may be surprised with how much of an impact you can make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahrobinett.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahrobinett.art/
- Other: https://www.artsy.net/artist/hannah-robinett
Image Credits
Main headshot image: Greg Baugues
Hannah holding ruler and overhead shot image: Claudine Williams Photography