Name

Jason Hanner

Occupation

Architect

Neighborhood

Columbia City

Last book read

A pulpy science fiction novel.  The last good book i read was Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson.

What do you make?

i have dabbled in lots of stuff including additive and subtractive sculpture, book making, wood block printing, collage, photography, & painting.

In two sentences – why are you an artist?

I enjoy the creative process.  I believe it has great value and it makes me happy.

Tell us about your most recent work?

The Paper Robots were the product of multiple influences.  I’ve built architectural models for several years and there is a lot of overlap with the techniques and material used for the robots.  The idea for the robots was born from a conversation with my wife about thinking about other people as something less than human (she referred to them as animatronic and I extrapolated to robot).  Coming from a cynical, prideful, and somewhat misanthropic background i was quick to realize how prone i am to thinking this way and not “loving my neighbor as myself”.  I tended more toward a world view that life was a movie all about me and once the extras (everybody else) left the stage, they ceased to exist.  Now when i catch myself thinking this way, i remind myself that, for one thing, it isn’t about me and for another, all people are created by God with dignity, value, and worth.  Treating them as anything less, regardless of the reason, is sinful.

In addition, there is symbolism layered in that deals with the ideas of attitude, idolatry, and salvation.  I’m particularly fond of the irony of ego-bot who has a very high opinion of himself in spite of his limited mobility, a lack of arms, and apparent lack of function.

Where were you when you made this work? Did the space or environment influence the work at all?

I was just in my home office, so i don’t think it played much of a factor (besides the fact that it’s also where i keep all my model making stuff).

Are there any themes or images that have been popping up a lot, lately?

I like to use my art to poke fun at and rebuke myself.  I have a custom plate on one of my motorcycles that says “Volito” because i was told it meant “to rush to and fro, always in a hurry” to remind myself to take a deep breath.  In the past, i had an image (sort of an icon representing me) that was wearing a paper hat and had black tape over the eyes and mouth.  I referred to it as “invisible me” and it holds a lot of personal meaning.

Does a belief system/faith play any part in your work?

Yes

How does the idea of worship impact how/what you create?

Any act of creation is an act of worship.  The majority of the work i do now (as inconsistent and infrequent as it is) usually involves exploring some aspect of my relationship with God or other people around me in light of my relationship with God.

What role do you give the viewer? How do you see your work being interacted with?

As a rule, i don’t like to explain or reveal all of the symbolism in my work.  I like to hide things in the open and put little inside jokes in them.  It’s fun to see people study something that i’ve made and particularly rewarding to think that some of them might get some of the more subtle aspects.

Is there work that you’ve always wanted to make – but haven’t yet?

I don’t know about always, but i’ve wanted to get a beater and make my own paper for a long time.  I’ve also had a couple ideas for children’s books that i’ve wanted to write.

What things have commonly contributed to your creative dry spells?

I sort of think of the dry spells as the norm.  It’s just punctuated by random periods of creativity.

How have you broken out of them in the past?

There are periods where i wished i was creating more, but I’ve never tried very hard to break out of them.  I usually have a few ideas brewing deep down and just wait for the creative spells to draw them out.

What’s next?

Good question.  I have some ideas for more robots, but i also want to make some light fixtures and a large paper squid.

Finish this sentence: “Satisfaction is…

…finishing.  Whether it’s a project, an art piece, a race, or a jigsaw puzzle there is joy and satisfaction and in finishing and knowing it’s done.

Return of the RH | Profile!

It has been almost a year since I did my first official artist profile here on Rough Hewn, but I am happy to say that they are returning – with a vengeance!  I have been fortunate enough to be the coordinator for art at my church and have had the pleasure of meeting and working with a number of really talented people.  Our latest show has five artists involved and I’m excited to introduce you to each one of them as the weeks go by.

As a curator of art, sometimes I have a double reaction to work I see.  1) “That’s amazing, awesome, interesting, disturbing, compelling….etc” and 2) “I MUST show that in our gallery space!  Other people MUST interact with this!”  Which is exactly the reaction I had when I first saw Alyce’s work.  These aren’t your average nature drawings!  Alyce has a way of infusing whimsy and a bit of the three year old inside all of us that just wants to color outside the lines into each of her pieces. I look forward to seeing where her experimentation takes her work.  And now Alyce -  in her own words….

Name

Alyce Wolfe

Occupation

Artist and Teacher

Website

www.alycesportraits.com

Neighborhood

Ballard

Last book read

Just finished the book of Hebrews in my Bible.  I am working through a faith chapter in my own life which is where God is taking me right now. The book I just started reading is Saying Yes: Accepting God’s Amazing Invitation to Artists and the Church.  So far it has really inspired me to do what God is calling me to do, put my passion into my art and be a full time artist/teacher.

What do you make?

I paint  and draw portraits – trees and scenery.  I use whatever medium fits with the inspiration I’m working with – whether its from a photo or life.  Most of the time its oils, watercolor, pen & ink, acrylics or pencil.

In two sentences – why are you an artist?

I love to create representations of God’s beautiful creation. It’s like putting a magnifying glass up to little details, such as tree branches, and putting them right in front of people saying, “God made this tree for your pleasure.”  I love to work with my hands and cast a vision for something that speaks to the soul of a person.

Tell us about your most recent work?

I have recently tried painting watercolor on mat board.  I finished a watercolor painting of a tree in a blue/green grassy field with fog around it and the tree stretches onto the mat around the painting.

Where were you when you made this work? Did the space or environment influence the work at all?

The colors of the frame inspired me actually.  The frame is black with blue-green swirls along the edges of the frame and the black and blue-green look so beautiful together.  I have so many scenic images in my head from places I’ve visited or grown up to love and cherish. Its great to have something as simple as a frame give me reason to actually put it down on paper.  Its like working backwards, having the frame first and then painting a painting from that inspiration.

Are there any themes or images that have been popping up a lot, lately?

Yes, trees are a favorite subject right now, but who knows what it will be next month.  I’ve found that trees can be a sturdy subject that most people relate to in one way or another.  I also love people and have drawn some portraits here and there, but I would like to do more.

Does a belief system/faith play any part in your work?

Yes, I believe in Jesus, my Redeemer and Savior as God.  I have been walking an up and down road with Him since I was a little girl and He has been faithful all these years in taking care of me and providing for me.  Over the last couple years he has been opening more doors for me to work as an artist.

What role do you give the viewer?

How do you see your work being interacted with?  I hope they see my art as a place of quiet peace and rest away from all the hurt and pain in their lives.  I hope they see the detailed beauty of creation/nature as well.

Is there work that you’ve  always wanted to make – but haven’t yet?

Oh yes! Lots of ideas up here in this head of mine, but I’m hoping to get it out on canvas/paper in the near future.  Sometimes its easier to be a visionary and keep it in my head.  The hardest part is getting the whole piece done.

What things have commonly contributed to your creative dry spells? How have you broken out of them in the past?

I usually go walking or hiking and take lots of photos, or go to an art fair or art walk or go kayaking.  Any time I get out in nature I am inspired.  Many of the trees that have inspired me have come from trees in my neighborhood. Some times just doodling helps bring out ideas as well.

What’s Next?

I am continuing my watercolor tree study with painting on the mat. I have some possible portrait commissions I’m working towards and a series of figure studies that could turn into paintings.

Finish this sentence, “Satisfaction is…

…knowing and serving Jesus, everything else falls into place with Jesus as the head.

Five things inspiring me into my three day weekend…

1. Come sit down awhile and take my picture.

Loving this and other work by photographer Emily Anderson. (via Design*Sponge). Also check out the talented husband and wife team over at One Love Photo – who did a bang-up job capturing my sister and her family.

2. Sometimes you just need a little pop music.

For the past week I have been listening to Mat Kearney’s new album, City of Black & White. VERY different from his first record, but that aside, it nicely combines the things I love about his music with the things I love about Coldplay. So. I’m very satisfied.

3. (mini) rh | Profile ::: Emily Haines of Metric

This beautiful little film (that I found through the randomness that is clicking around Twitter pages) reminded me again of my desire to create more Rough Hewn Profiles for this blog.  I appreciate Haines’ honesty about those  often difficult and confusing times that artists (and anybody, really) fall into.  Where the big questions about life, meaning, and direction seem to feel so raw and weighty.  I’ve found myself in one of those places lately and they are often hard to articulate until years later – so cheers to Haines for sharing this. BONUS: Never heard of Metric before this and am really enjoying their stuff!

4. Dear Joe,

Last fall I took this photo and every time I see it I can’t help but be reminded of you and the other Joseph – the one in the Bible. I think about how strong you are and how much stronger you are in the parts you might feel are the weakest.  I think about how much I love that you are the big brother I always wanted growing up – the one who fights for you, tells you that you are beautiful and in the same breath teases (and both are true).  I know you are an artist and I wonder what you are drawing these days.  What you are writing about in those journals I gave you for Christmas – what comics you’ve dreamt up.  I think about Joseph and his flashy coat and wonder if I would have been white hot jealous like his brothers.  I think about the shitty things you and Joseph have gone through and I’d like to have an answer as to why – but I don’t.  I’d like to know how Joseph clung to God in the middle of year two of three that he spent in prison.  What conversations they had – if they talked at all about that coat.  I certainly don’t know what’s ahead for you but I remember that our boy Joseph was eventually remembered and called up to do great things. – save  his family.  And was somehow able to say to his brothers that all that shit (I’m paraphrasing), in the end God used it for good.  Wild, huh?

5. A picture is often more than you think.

Sometimes I get the honor of capturing prayers…answered.

Click to see video!

I realized after putting together  the first profile a couple weeks ago, that “These things are a lot of work!!”.  Especially if I want to make them worth reading and pleasant to look at.  So while I’m busy gathering up a bevy artists/strangers to share with you, this weeks RH | profile features a video from Dwell Magazine’s online “Emerging Designer” video series that shares the work, creative process, and work environment of designer Jason Miller.  I’m excited to share with you this great little film, not only because Miller has a rad stache and dutifully/delightfully wears plaid, but he really thinks about the juxtaposition of images and symbols and allows his environment to inform his ideas.  Happy Friday!

For the inaugural RH | profile, I am pleased to be sharing the work and inspirations of a dear friend of mine. We have studied, lived, and pranked together, but more than anything we have shared our passions for art-making.  Her work is honest, raw, and deeply connected to her personal faith.  Recently, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Katie and walked away at the end of the day like I always do when I spend time talking with her – filled.  She has a drive and passion for painting that never ceases to inspire me to pursue the same.  Thanks, Katie, for being rough hewn’s first profile guinea pig!

NAME | Katie Small

OCCUPATION | Artist – Painter

WEBSITE | www.katiesmallpainter.com

NEIGHBORHOOD | Burlington, WA

LAST BOOK READ | Pour Your Heart Into It, by Howard Schultz

WHAT DO YOU MAKE | Paintings

IN TWO SENTENCES – WHY ARE YOU AN ARTIST? | I am an artist because that is who I believe God designed me to be. I love what I do and cannot imagine doing anything else!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST RECENT WORK? | My most recent work has actually been two paintings done at two different live-painting opportunities. One is a very large diptych showing an equally large, abstract bird hovering over a broken landscape (see below). The bird is consumed with light and projects rays of light from her wings. The idea behind the image was that of covering and hovering. God’s love resting over His people, Psalm 91 was a major inspiration. This painting was finished in three evenings of the five-day summer camp.

The second painting was slightly smaller and was about social justice. It was a progression-painting and was completed over the course of the two hour event: “Let My Country Awake.” The image went from being an eye with violence portrayed in the pupil to a blooming flower with two reconciled figures in the center.

WHERE WERE YOU WHEN YOU MADE THIS WORK?  DID THE SPACE OR ENVIRONMENT INFLUENCE THE WORK AT ALL? | For the first canvas I was at a Christian High School summer camp for Western Washington. I was positioned in the middle of an awesome worship band. This had a major impact on my work, I felt like I was playing an instrument too!  Being so close to the band fueled and influenced my brush strokes, as well as the amount of paint I used. I felt very transcendent and completely in my element, for sure!

The Delhi painting was more powered by the other passionate performances going on behind me. I was outside, on the stage of an amphitheater and it was WICKED HOT!! The paint on my palette kept speed-drying and everything was more of a challenge. The whole feel of the process, both frustrating and liberating, went along well with the emotion of the event.

ARE THERE ANY THEMES OR IMAGES THAT HAVE BEEN POPPING UP A LOT, LATELY? | The idea of brokenness seems to always resonate with me. The concept of crushing something to produce a sweet, aromatic result is currently on my mind. Especially after coming from India!

Addiction is also on my heart to paint. I’d love to address the emergence from drug addiction in a series of work. I hope to continue to tackle difficult concepts in my paintings and show not only restoration, but communicate transformation.

CURRENT INFLUENCES (ARTISTIC, MUSICAL, PEOPLE, IDEAS, WEB SITES, WRITERS, ETC)? | There’s so many creative people that influence me!! I think whenever I see a friend or someone from the college-days goin’ for it and doing what they love, it compels me to keep making art.  What’s firing me up right now is getting a fresh love for people in need. It began in India and God has been working a deeper compassion into me ever since.

DOES A BELIEF SYSTEM/FAITH PLAY ANY PART IN YOUR WORK? | Heck yeah! It is indeed the core of what I do and who I am.

IS THERE WORK THAT YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO MAKE – BUT HAVEN’T YET? | Totally, I have a whole series of work to do yet. It’s inspired by brokenness and compassion. The work would be a series of paintings on paper, torn into pieces and then slid into broken pieces of glass. To be continued…

WHAT THINGS HAVE COMMONLY CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR CREATIVE DRY SPELLS? HOW HAVE YOU BROKEN OUT OF THEM IN THE PAST? | Dry spells, for me, correlate with my spiritual state of being. If I’m not in sync with God, everything else goes to hell! Once I re-align myself to Him, He’s faithful to fill me with good, creative things.

MY DREAM COLLABORATION WOULD BE WITH… | U2 or Delirious? ! I’m dreamin’ big baby! I’d love to paint live while either one of those bands play.

WHAT’S NEXT? | Grad School of Painting at the University of Hawaii, so come visit me!!

FINISH THIS SENTENCE: “SATISFACTION IS… knowing my identity in Jesus Christ.”