Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Polskin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Los Angeles. I create undulating shapes set in stark contrast to their surroundings. In a mostly neutral color palette, I aim to bring spaces to life with motifs that have a natural movement and energy to them. I love the relationship between art, decor and the overall context of the home and specifically work with materials like Birch and Burl wood to create a connection to nature indoors. I was born in New York City and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
I was always interested in art and have a classical training from the Savannah College of Art And Design which really nurtured my experimental attitude. When I began art school it was surreal, I couldn’t believe my luck that I got to create 24/7 for school. My mom tells me I’ve been drawing these forms since childhood, it seems like it’s embedded in me.
I recently moved into a new studio work/live space in West Hollywood, CA and I feel really lucky to have a studio within the loft where I live so I can constantly be immersed in my work. I love to be able to eat, sleep and breathe around my art, and it’s allowed for a natural progression from painting into designing and translating my aesthetic across different objects. I turned my outdoor patio into a makeshift woodshed so I can quickly go from a sketch to a wood prototype. I’m a pretty spontaneous worker so having all my tools at my fingertips is key.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the last few years, the biggest change was finding my new studio in West Hollywood. It was the height of the pandemic and it seemed like there was nothing left in LA and I desperately needed a bigger studio. In my last place, I often found myself moving the sofa into the hallway to get more floor space to work so I eventually just left it out there. I got really lucky with this one! I was actually on the phone with a collector discussing a commission and he mentioned he worked in real estate. A few weeks after that call he found this place for me and the extra space has allowed my work to reach new dimensions; it feels truly incredible.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is an intersection of fine art and design which I call “livable art”, a freeform aesthetic that bleeds across each project. I rarely dream up a new piece without considering the home context it will sit in, so it’s been a natural progression for me to branch into home decor and categories such as mirrors, TV cabinets, tables, rugs, and shelving. My aesthetic is pretty much the same across the board as well, as I gravitate towards neutrals, clean lines, and natural materials in my art, decor, and wardrobe. Expanding into home decor with pieces like menorahs and rugs was a natural next step for me because I feel so passionate about this style and its wide application.
My studio also functions as a gallery and showcase and the best thing about that is it lets me open it up to prospective collectors. I love having people over for tea and showing them my latest. Especially with custom commissions, I work closely with my collectors to understand their space and how they uniquely live in it so anytime that download can happen face to face over here it’s really enjoyable and productive.
What are your plans for the future?
Yes! I am looking forward to a lot of things including going deeper into sculpture! I launched menorahs last year and plan to do a 2.0 version this year. I am also looking to paint on stone, but I will never be done with wood and look forward to expanding there as well! Additionally, I have one rug prototype and am looking forward to doing more to expand my offerings and amplify the home in general.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.hannahpolskin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahpolskinstudio/
Image Credits
Emily Sudlow
