Local artist Hannah Elizabeth is displaying her work at HIVE gallery on Church Street. David Simper caught the service 3a bus down to the opening. This one was popular with a large number of people in the downstairs cafe and display area, taking in this excellent work.
I had carelessly thought that Hannah’s work was acrylic, but it transpired the material was tester paint pots from a former well known DIY outlet. The paintings are large and presented unframed, which works for these strong, bold paintings. This is Hannah’s first solo show and I think we are very lucky to have it.
The pieces use from life and abstract images in a well-composed and attractive manner. Colour is strong and capably used. A tattoo artist by trade, the transfer of skills to painting on large canvases is well handled.
I asked Hannah what was the origin of her approach.
“My main thing during lockdown was I struggled with my mental health. A lot was obviously going on with lockdown and I just kept reminding myself, keep thinking about those little moments and we’ll get through it,” she replied.
“Then I was thinking about painting โ my tattoo style is way different, using black and white and no colour whatsoever, but when I started painting I thought, how can I convey that warm feeling you get when you think of those sweet moments and the abstract came out really?
“The work reflected the energy you get when you’re at a gig, or the height of realism โ when you look at the croissant painting, the first bite and it’s lovely and warm: how do I get that feeling with paint? So yes, that’s how the show came about.”
Thanks to Hannah for explaining her process and her approach to surviving lockdown โ we moved to home working and just carried on, but as a tattoo artist that’s not possible. The images have a wonderful ‘pop art’ feel, also being quite detailed.
Thanks as ever to The HIVE team for the refreshments. I was asked on entry if I wanted my usual decaff coffee, but instead went for an excellent green tea. The nibbles must have been good as most had gone by the time I got there. This exhibition is well worth a look and congratulations to Hannah with putting together under, what sound like, trying circumstances. The show continues until 30th September 2024.
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