Motherhood, music, and the pressure of a good deadline all play a part in fuelling Hannah Gilson’s vibrant creativity. In this interview, she reflects on her artistic journey, the inspirations behind her work and what’s on the horizon.
Tell us about your studio.
My studio is based in Bainbridge Print studio. It’s a lovely relaxed and supportive space - lots of women artists who lift one another up.
What’s your background?
I specialised in fine art painting at Winchester School of Art but while I was there I found a love for illustration - this really impacted by practice and my work really evolved in a very short time. I then went into education and this provided me the opportunity to experiment with such a wide range of media and introduced me to printmaking for the first time.
How do you find motivation?
Music and a tight deadline motivates me more than anything! If I’m ever in a slump creatively, I put my headphones on.
What drives your work?
I think connection drives my work - I enjoy creating work that resonates with others, whether that’s through playfulness and humour or more meaningful sentiments. It’s an honour to see the work connect with people so deeply and on such a personal level.
If you could choose one song from one album to reflect your work, what would it be, and why?
Thats a tough one but it would probably be Santigold ‘Creator’ - it packs energy and attitude.
Which three colours could you not do without?
At the moment Fluro Pink, Electric Blue and Yellow
How has your style or subject matter changed or developed?
My subject matter has stayed pretty consistent over the years however, my process is always evolving. I am really enjoying the process of using screen printing to create original collages.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Comparison is the thief of joy - you can’t look at what everyone else is doing, you have to just crack on and enjoy your own journey
Who inspires you?
My girls. Motherhood made an artist - would never have done it otherwise.
If you could own one piece of artwork what would it be?
Colleen Barry’s ’Take This Fire’ or Hockney’s ‘Bigger Splash’
Alongside yourself, who would be in your ideal group exhibition (from any period of time) and what’s the title?
Grayson Perry, Paula Rego, Frida Kahlo, Tracey Emin. ’It’s Not me, It’s You’.
What are you currently working on and what’s next?
I am currently working on new pieces for up coming fairs. Really wanting to push my work further - the dream is to showcase in Chicago and Brooklyn next year.
From creating modern art prints in Bainbridge to dreaming big with plans for Brooklyn and Chicago, Hannah Gilson is driven by a desire to create work that connects, uplifts and sparks joy.
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