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.

Sometimes we need a reminder…

…that we need others in the process of transformation.  In fact, they are a gift in that process – if in fact we let them in.  I suppose the best illustration of this was the four weeks before Good Friday and Easter this year that I was involved in decorating the stage at my church.  It was a process by which we took the stage from barren and bleak to one ultimately of life and redemption.  It was an exciting process, one I couldn’t have done alone – so many willing hands helped.  A task that in past years has been draining and ultimately for my own ego became an act of creativity, community, passion, collaboration, submission, discipleship, and dependence.  So even though it’s really overdue – I want to thank all of the awesome folks who made it happen!

As I sit here, months removed from those busy Saturdays, I’m reminded still that God uses people in my life to stimulate and encourage his work in me. Not just the ones that help me and encourage me but especially through those people that are annoying – who challenge me.  The ones that stir the pot of my pride and rub me the wrong way. Or the friends I can’t begin to save, but oh so want to.  If we are willing – these can be the best gifts.  Cause what rises in me in those times, what I see in my heart – all that crap and discomfort – needs to be brought to the surface and burned away anyway, right?  My hope is that I will welcome this uncomfortable aspect of community as part of the “plentiful redemption” promised in Psalm 130 in the same way I welcome helping hands.  An opportunity to see God at work.

Be patient.  It will eventually settle.

On this Monday morning, I wanted to share some new work I started about two months ago.  I think I’m calling Sifting.  It came from an awareness I’ve been having over the last year or so that some things (usually the big things, tough ideas, theology, the words of Jesus…) need a little time to “sift” into that space between my head and heart before I am able to respond to them as I should or before they find a place to settle in my soul.

The only way I can describe it is through a parable I read recently in Matthew (21:28-32) where two sons were asked to go work in the vineyards by their dad and the first responded by saying, “Hellz no! I’m not doing that! Do it yourself!”(I’m paraphrasing, obviously.) but then went away, thought about it, and came back and went to the fields. The other son said right away, “Yeah!  I’ll get on it!”  And then totally didn’t.  Lame. 

And I find I am the second son more than I would care to admit.

So eager to give the appearance of understanding and obedience rather than actually admit and acknowledge what I might really be feeling – unbelief, anger, annoyance, rebellion. That inside I’m really just a whiney ten (28) year old.

I wonder about that time – the time between the first son’s initial reaction and his change of heart.  It feels so silent.  But I know something profound happened there.  It feels like what I heard someone once describe as one of the Bible’s “white spaces”.  Those moments that lie dormant and without explanation, but where profound action takes place.  I think about those moments between Abraham tying up Isaac and physically placing him on the wood.   Or the moment between Jesus calling the disciples – working on their boats, tending their tax tables – and the movement of dropping it all and following.

I think these white spaces show us faith.  That unquantifiable and often hard to pin down thing that is both action and letting go at the same time.  It’s trust. Submission. Belief. Hope. Guts. All rolled up in to this thing that is really a gift when we have it.  There’s no use faking it or trying to manufacture it  – I’ve been doing that a long time and you just ending up like the second son – a ton of hot air and no lift off.

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.

What is it about…

Raw. Honest. Black and White. Portraits. That stop me in my tracks.

Everytime.

I noticed this as I went through a set of portraits I did yesterday. Maybe its my inner Chuck Close coming out.

And it’s interesting because even though it’s not necessarily the most flattering of the bunch and there isn’t a smile in sight it still manages to show a connection. Something real.

Don’t get me wrong….her smile is just as real and delightful.

It’s just different.

My dear grandmother, Phyllis Pederson, passed away Monday after a brave brave fight with cancer.

I named this blog rough hewn for times such as these.  For those in-between spaces between joy and sorrow – where you’re not really sure which one to choose and not really certain you are feeling either.

My grandmother was a woman of faith, strength, patience, good taste, independence, talent, and creativity.  She encouraged me to explore not only the world around me, but the world at large.  My love for knitting and any skills I claim to have come straight from her.  I will miss her abiding love and wraparound hugs.

I have often said that where words fail us, image takes over. I have been comforted by these two illustrations found on Nothing Relevant – a local blog I ran into through a random google image search.  Very serendipitously, I think.

The last communication I had with my grandmother was through a  Valentine I sent her last week.  It was a card having nothing to do with hearts at all, but depicted (through a sheen of glitter, to my chagrin) a bird flying up with rays in the background.  Like that bird and the bird above -  I know she has flown to the safety of her loving savior.  And as I think on this,  joy overwhelms any sorrow I may have about her absence.  For I know that she is truly safe at home.

When the waiting comes to an end.  What then?

My family and I celebrated Christmas early this year.

I’ll admit it was a little weird.  Driving home I half expected the rest of the world to be closed for business.  At home with their respective families celebrating, eating, tearing away at paper.  But they weren’t. They were experiencing December 19th.  Not faux December 25th, like me.

It’s left this week leading up to Christmas – the real one – to feel…well….like a normal week.  It got me thinking about what really makes Christmas feel like it does.  I know I’m supposed to say – Jesus – yes, Jesus is the reason for the season, but even in that I’ve discovered it all comes down to one thing.  Anticipation.

There is this painting of the angel visiting Mary by Henry Osawa Tanner and it’s probably the most down to earth and realistic depictions I have ever seen of this event.  She sits there, noticeably shaken and in awe, young in both age and  life experience, and yet there is this sense that she is willing to receive whatever it is that may be coming up next. However crazy it may seem.

She has been waiting for a savior to come.  She will wait nine months as he forms and grows inside her. She will rear him, teach him, hold him, feed him. Then she will look up one day, and he will be dying for her.  What then?  A lifetime of anticipation and there it is in one act.  What now?

Receive.

Which I’m realizing is harder than it might seem.  There are countless things that call out for my attention.  When will I be older?  What will high school be like?  When will I get my license? College? Who will that person be that I will marry?  My kids?  Will they be anything like me?  It ends up that once I’m done with one milestone, I’m off and on to the next thing.  That window of time where the act of receiving feels more like grace rather than the necessary result of all my striving starts becoming shorter and shorter.  And I think the reason is that in that space between wanting and receiving and then wanting again, I’m not really sure what to do.  And that’s it right there. I don’t have to do anything.  I can’t do anything.  I get to enjoy.  Delight in.  Revel.

I came across a beautiful poem by Anne Jackson yesterday – Holy, Restless Anticipation – and it’s words resonate with everything the Lord has been whispering to me lately…

Stay right here a little while

Stay right here my dear

Hear me whisper to your heart

And take away your fear

Two days from now we will all be in the weird space together.  Hungover from all the presents and gearing up to change the world – or at least our little one – in 2010.  And I guess before I make promises I may have no intention of keeping, I want to think about some promises that have always been kept and will never change.  May anticipation drive me forward this year, not to mindless work, or to discontent – but to rest and joy.

Did you know that April is Poetry Month? Well, folks, it totally is.

On top of that, yesterday I went a little nuts-o after deciding that I want to be more intentional about creating every day….even if it’s just a sketch. Or writing a couple lines.  Or like in the case below, drawing and coloring without any intentions of perfection or even having a plan, for that matter.  Instinctual and non-judgmental – create now, think later.  And it was seriously fun and pretty cathartic.

One of the main reasons I have this blog is to get over that pestering perfection hangup I have as an artist.  The whole idea that I must only display what I deem to be acceptable for others to see. Even if it’s just a sketch, it must be a sketch that shows I’m well on my way to making progress. I’ve decided that’s lame.  Essentially, it becomes less about the art and more about what others think of me.  Self-protection rears it’s ugly head!  And in the meantime has stifled a lot of great work.  SO count this as my first effort at throwing caution to the wind and the hell with perfection.  There’s beauty in the mess.

No BUS STORIES today, just wanted to get the week rolling with a few photos that are filling me up in different ways today…

Kate Bosworth in an ad for Calvin Klein – captivating, lovely composition, tone, and movement.

Postcard I picked up at Sonic Boom the other day for the show Residence at 20Twenty, an exhibit of recent work by Robin Stein.  Reminds me of living in L.A. I can literally smell this photo.

Love these photos and these lovely ladies! Taken on an art retreat at good ole’ Biola, this contact strip is a little piece of friendship shining up from my desk.

Since I visited the blog Scanwich (check it out!) and saw this photo, all I have been able to think about is bagels & lox!  Like that scene in the movie Ratatouille – a bite of B&L instantly transport me to the middle of Central Park in the dead of winter, where I had not only my first taste of Zabar’s goodness, but of the sweetness New York City has to offer! (Note: Yesturday I got to have half of one at my sister’s church….mmmyeah…it only stoked the fire!)

Still thinkin about this quote…

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!