Interview with Hanna Taylor White: On Following Her Calling and Being an Artist Full-Time
Hanna Taylor White with her artwork capture Yenny Hsieh
We came across artist Hanna Taylor White’s beautiful paintings through the power of social media. Photographer Yenny Hsieh, shared by our tag #EntireLifestyle and Hanna’s paintings instantly jumped out to us. We knew we wanted to know more about her. Her interview can help inspire someone out there on making art a full-time career and answering to the world confidently, I am an artist.
“I am also constantly learning from and inspired by the endlessly talented female makers and business owners in my life and online. They give me energy. ”
Where do you look to get inspiration for your paintings?
For me, color is the most important source of inspiration. I am always thinking about it and looking for exciting combinations. The other two things I spend the most time looking at are interior design and plants. I’m most attracted to clean, simple spaces and designs. I can get a little carried away with color, but I’m most proud of, and always working on creating pieces that are simpler and balanced.
I am also constantly learning from and inspired by the endlessly talented female makers and business owners in my life and online. They give me energy.
What is the thing that you find most exhilarating about being an artist?
Making art can be isolating, I spend a lot of time looking at my work alone, and before two years ago I didn’t really expect anyone else to be looking at it. Wrestling with a painting until it finally feels successful is always satisfying, but having an audience understand and appreciate that work has been really awesome.
Tell us what led you to being a painter - did you expect yourself to be here and how has the process been?
“I’ve always wanted to be at the point where I am making art full time, and I feel really lucky that I’m almost there.”
I’ve actually been painting most of my life. I started making abstract paintings with my dad when I was young, it just stuck with me and I decided to study art. Even though I got a B.F.A and was working in the art world after college, it was only a few years ago that I starting answering “Artist” to questions about my profession. I’ve always wanted to be at the point where I am making art full time, and I feel really lucky that I’m almost there. Getting my own studio space was a big turning point, it helped me believe in myself.
What’s ahead for you? What are you personally the most excited about?
Market season is around the corner, which is always fun. And I’m taking some graphic design and ceramics classes this spring and I’m excited for how being a student again will show up in my work. I love being able to jump around between mediums, but my goal is to keep pushing my aesthetic so I can have a cohesive collection of products. Plus, summer is coming!
See more of Hanna’s Artwork and follow this amazing artist on Instagram @hanna_taylor_art
Images provided by Yenny Hsieh