Hanna Whitehead - Artist

I am a one woman's process driven multimedia artist studio in rural South East Iceland.

Looped in by Sallyann Corn

Hanna's Instagram

Hanna's Website

I focus on a hands-on approach, working in a very personal way, interweaving story, shape, materials and color.

I use multiple craft techniques such as rug tufting, hand-building, extruding & casting ceramics, wood furniture making, weaving, felting and most recently straw marquetry in my studio. Always looking for new ways to shape and give life to materials.

I work & live in Hornafjordur, a quiet, remote area around 500 km away from the capital of Iceland. Hornafjordur has around 2000 inhabitants and is surrounded by mountains and the Vatnajökull glacier. It used to be one of the most isolated areas in Iceland.

In my opinion, 'a creative' is...

...someone who works hard, occasionally thinks about doing something more practical for a steady salary, enjoys mistakes because they know those are valuable lessons and has an urge to visualize their dreams and opinions about the world and how we live in it.

My dream collaboration…

...would be to work with some skilled glassblowers. Glass really happens the moment it is made. It would be so exciting to do a glass residency.


When I need to feel inspired…

I go to the library, look at my books or if I can then I buy books. An internet google image search just doesn't do it for me. I like to be surprised - if you put in a search word you kind of already know what is coming. If you go to the library you might find inspiration for your textile projects in a book about art from cans!

The importance of community…

Is very important. I live so far away from everything that I find community within design & art through instagram. But here in my town which has around 2000 people living in it I try to have a positive impact on my community by having monthly art workshops for the kids.

I'm most passionate about…

In my work it is materials and craft. If I have a workshop full of materials I am good.


The biggest risk I've ever taken…

I think that risk I still need to take.


"I focus on a hands-on approach, working in a very personal way, interweaving story, shape, materials and color."

Something I've never understood…

How some people are just born with amazing singing voices. Not just people who sing by profession but sometimes just someone totally random that has a built in perfect instrument.

If I had more time in the day…

In my dreams I would go walking in the nature that surrounds me, but more likely I would spend it at the studio where I really feel happy to be.


I find joy…

It is cliché but In the moments when I am truly in the moment.

"Here in my town which has around 2000 people living in it, I try to have a positive impact on my community by having monthly art workshops for the kids."

Who is inspiring you
right now?

Company
@com_pa_ny

I did my design internship with them and it was magic. They have a strong vision and dreams that they follow. I still can't believe how lucky I was that they accepted me as their intern. I think they really showed me that you can be true to yourself and make up your own rules.

I did my design internship with them and it was magic. They have a strong vision and dreams that they follow. I still can't believe how lucky I was that they accepted me as their intern. I think they really showed me that you can be true to yourself and make up your own rules.

Myriam Simard-Parent
@myri_jambon

I got to know this Canadian sculptor's work through the Superhouse Gallery in New York. Her work has such a beautiful spirit in it and also her wood skills are amazing! I feel like she can reshape wood into anything she thinks of.

I got to know this Canadian sculptor's work through the Superhouse Gallery in New York. Her work has such a beautiful spirit in it and also her wood skills are amazing! I feel like she can reshape wood into anything she thinks of.

Camilla Iliefski
@camillailiefsk

Camilla makes such wonderful rugs that feel like a whole universe. The wall rugs have such powerful yet sensitive colors that form interesting shapes floating around on the canvas.

Camilla makes such wonderful rugs that feel like a whole universe. The wall rugs have such powerful yet sensitive colors that form interesting shapes floating around on the canvas.

Jasa Baka
@jasa.baka

Jasa is a multidisciplinary artist and a Canadian West Icelander living in Reykjavík. Her work is a portal into a total fantasy world. She makes both amazing ceramics and drawings.

Jasa is a multidisciplinary artist and a Canadian West Icelander living in Reykjavík. Her work is a portal into a total fantasy world. She makes both amazing ceramics and drawings.

What are you loving right now?

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