An Interview
with Ohio Artist Hannah Sickles
with Gina
McKnight
Hannah
Sickles
was raised in Athens, Ohio, alongside her twin sister. She has learned most of
what she knows from her mother, who spent years studying fine art. Recently,
Hannah created the illustrations for Nelsonville
from A to Z, a collection of short poems by SE Ohio writers, edited by
Celeste Parsons. This beautiful collection of writing and art benefits
Nelsonville’s Stuart’s Opera House
Arts Education Program.
Still
residing in the foothills of Appalachia, Hannah has her own business working
with watercolors, and creating copper enamel jewelry. Besides illustrating and
enameling, Hannah can be found making theater magic with ABC Players, or maybe playing yard golf
in Zaleski forest. Hannah finds inspiration from nature, her two orange cats,
and a group of amazing friends.
Welcome,
Hannah!
GM: Hannah,
it has been great collaborating with you on Nelsonville from A to Z! You
have given the city of Nelsonville a true work of art. A talented artist, at
what age did you realize you wanted to become an artist?
HS: I don't
think there was an age that I wasn't an artist. I grew up in a very art focused
household, and it has always been part of who I am. As for when I realized I
should make it my living, that was just a few years ago (and I'm surprised it
took me that long!).
GM: What was
your inspiration for Nelsonville from A to Z? Did you find the work
easy? Are you happy with the final publication?
HS:
Naturally, my inspiration was Nelsonville and our little corner of south east
Ohio. I work mostly from photographs and got a lot of them from Celeste Parsons
(head author/editor of Nelsonville from A to Z), but had plenty of days
that I spent traveling to sights around Nelsonville taking my own photos and
doing a smattering of research.
Well, I
found it easier than if I were asked to write it... but I suppose you could say
some illustrations came together more smoothly than others.
I am very
happy with the final publication. That's not to say I wouldn't love to tweak or
even redesign a painting here or there, but it's always been difficult for me
to be satisfied with 100% my work... especially with a deadline.
GM: The
final publication is beautiful! What mediums do you like to use?
HS: For illustrations I use pencil and watercolor.
Occasionally India ink will find its way in as well.
GM: Besides
illustration, what other art endeavors do you have?
HS: Mostly I
do watercolors and copper enamel jewelry. I set up a booth at local festivals
and craft fairs where I sell original watercolors, prints, note cards, and
copper enamel pieces.
GM: I've
seen your earring collections. They are stunning. What materials do you use and
where can we buy them?
HS: Thank
you, I'm very glad you like them! I cut sheet copper into shapes (old copper
scraps, if I can find it- I'd rather upcycle than use new), then I dust the
metal shape with glass frit and fire it in a small jeweler's kiln. I fire each
piece depending on how many colors or designs I need, but each piece is usually
a minimum of 2x.
I have a few
items at Starbrick Gallery, Reuse on Union, and Kindred Market, but I have the largest
selection with me at the festivals and craft shows I do.
GM: Describe
your studio...
HS: As of yet, I don't have a studio. I work
mostly on my dining room table, from painting to jewelry, everything besides
actually firing my enameled pieces.
GM: What are
you currently creating?
HS: Lately I've been working on creating inventory
for the holiday season. Actually, at this very moment I am sitting at my table
drinking coffee waiting for my kiln to heat up. Today I will make earrings and
a few Christmas ornaments.
GM: Where do
you see yourself in the art community in the future?
HS: As a desk owner.
GM: List 10 things that your fans may not know
about you...
I've yet to
miss an election.
I can spin
yarn...
and then
knit it.
I enjoy
social dancing such as swing, lindy hop, and waltz.
I'm
vegetarian.
I'm a twin.
I was home-schooled.
I'm a cat
person.
I enjoy
hiking.
Connect with Hannah…
Insta: SaturdayDarlingStudio
Nelsonville
from A to Z - Amazon Barnes&Noble
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