We were lucky to catch up with Lydia Hannah Wilson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Lydia Hannah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
Thank you for the question. There could’ve been no better question than this to explain the core foundation of my identity as an individual and as an artist. I strongly believe parents are the architects of a child’s life! Unwavering faith & unending support is the byproduct of their selfless love that my parents wrapped me with. This is one of the toughest question to answer honestly, I fear whether I will do justice of summing up their most selfless work in a few sentences, I will try my best to keep it as simple as possible. My God-appointed parents raised me in the beautiful land of South India, rich in diversity, culture & heritage I was taught life’s many priceless values no textbook or academics could ever teach. Things as little as respecting elders, modesty, cleanliness, being sensitive to others, to be good even when life gives you a storm, these values were deeply embedded in my heart since young age but the greatest thing my parents taught me was to love Jesus! I am forever grateful to those years when they would bring children’s bible, oh how I loved those drawings! Family prayer time where my grandparents taught me to sing in our native language, which was not taught in school, the consistent prayer life of my grand father even till the day he graduated to Heaven, these values stirred my heart to long to know the Master Creator whose handiwork we see in every leaf of the tree, the perfect symmetry in the middle of the sunflower.
Nature taught me so much more about art & creativity than the Fine Art degree I hold. I would spend hours just following the trail of a certain leaf when wind dances with it, gazing at those hues I wonder if I could ever bring them in my palette. My understanding of art is still an ongoing learning process & I think till the day I breathe my last it will never cease to amaze me.
Were there battles in my story? Absolutely! Was I alone in the battle ground? Absolutely not! My mom was & still is that pillar of strength of saw me who I am on the inside, times when she didn’t know how else to encourage me she sought the Lord, I cannot emphasize enough of the work parents do in our lives! Their sacrifice of putting us ahead of their dreams sings a melody of Christ’s love for us all!
Years later, sometimes in my conversations with my parents we recall how things did not make sense then, but they make sense now, we laugh & we stand amazed at how God works all things together for good. (Romans 8:28)
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Fresh peonies, cup of warm French vanilla, warm white room, instrumental in the background (amazing grace) & shades of warm pastel pinks this is my imaginary abode inside my head, that I never want to get out from! My name is Lydia Hannah, Christian, wife, mom of 2 & an artist. Born in Karnataka South India, I gained wide knowledge on visual arts, I was exposed to the variety of art forms from painting in 5×5 inch canvas mughul miniatures to the delicate art of calligraphy, my understanding on space, composition & color kick started when I pursued my degree in Visual Arts. Worked as a lecturer of fine arts in India, taught young minds in the field of theatre as well as dance. I believe that all art forms whether dance, theatre, martial arts, culinary arts or fine arts all are intertwined to the one source that is ‘wonder & imagination’. Without this an artist no matter which field will only be a copy paste machine of somebody else’s work. My brain child is ‘Lydia Hannah Designs’ with more than one expertise, I specialize in three distinct yet harmonious realms of creativity: bridal henna artistry that weaves intricate tales on hands, calligraphy that transforms words into visual poetry, and fine art services that paint emotions onto canvas. Each stroke, each detail, and each design is a testament to my commitment to turning moments into memories and celebrations into timeless works of art. I believe my heart towards it, forges a unique place in the modern market. Apart from these I enjoy engraving on glass, ceramics & metal with elegant calligraphy that brings sophistication in the heart of the beholder.
The thing that I believe sets my work apart is it is entirely handmade, warm & heirloom-worthy. In a world where AI & robotics is replacing or dominating everything a man has been doing since generations, a human-touch of warmth, sensitivity towards one’s emotions, something which is not calculated in algorithm but the simplicity of a soulful touch is what I believe is irreplaceable! I am passionate to keep the authenticity of art alive just as it is & bring awareness towards those art forms that are limited among close knit tribes. That is why I enjoy the art of henna so much because it is one of the oldest art forms & where do I even begin about the benefits of this organic material.
I am more than a henna artist, I am also passionate about portrait painting, mural art, calligraphy, engraving, fabric painting as well as creating digital art for invitation suites. The sky is the limit when it comes to art, truly. There is so much to give, so much to share, courage when heart is faint, stir hope in a broken world, bring smile to an aching heart & unwrap a new perspective in one’s mind. This is my desire that if my work would touch one life, make a difference in one soul, in the end it is all worth it!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Ah! The heart to heart eye contact the client makes when they appreciate my work, in that glance it is as though they peak into the depth of my soul & in awe thank me for the artistry, it is something I cannot put together in words. Engaged in the daily rhythms of motherhood—cooking, washing, cleaning, and laundry—there’s a spark of anticipation that ignites at my kitchen table, inspiring me to delve into newfound realms of creativity. Sometimes even in the mundane things, I find it extremely rewarding when my husband & kids appreciate the way the table is served, when their dosa’s are not the boring round shaped, when there is color on their plate. This is so beyond rewarding! It is not true that creativity is only rewarded at workplace, in fact creativity is not just rewarded but celebrated within one’s home.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Be true, know your core value & foundation, confidently wear your standard, live out your brand, don’t imitate, be the real you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lydiahannahdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiahannahdesigns/