Interview
Hanna Oberkersch
Hanna, a dedicated fine artist, specializing in abstract art. Painting passionately from the heart, she crafts pieces for visionaries who want to make an impact. Her architectural background intricately weaves structure with spontaneity in each masterpiece to create your sanctuary.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Art has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I pursued a degree in architecture, which included elements of art, and subsequently worked as an architect. However, I soon realized that this field didn't allow me the freedom of expression I desired. I was seeking a different language to convey my message to people. The birth of my two wonderful children ignited a creative spark in me like never before. I decided to follow my heart and soul, leading me to open my own art studio. It was my inner calling.”
What inspires you?
“Nature profoundly nurtures my senses and serves as a cornerstone of my inspiration. I believe that the fire of our creativity burns deep within us, yet it's also fueled by external stimuli. Everything we see, hear, smell, feel, or taste becomes intertwined with our unconscious mind. By training our awareness and becoming hyper-aware, we can significantly accelerate our creative process. This heightened awareness enables the unconscious to transform these external impressions, further nurturing our inner creative fire. Ultimately, I believe that true art originates from nature, reflecting its beauty and complexity. I aim to transport these values in my art to inspire people. My goal is to capture the essence of nature’s beauty and complexity in my work, not just as an expression of my own creativity but as a means to ignite the creative spark in others. By reflecting nature’s influence in my art, I hope to encourage people to develop a deeper appreciation and awareness of the world around them.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The central theme of my work is identity. Indeed, there is a profound message in my art. I strive to depict the values and visions that people hold. My art is intended to be a guide on their journey to their soul. The underlying message is: 'Liberate your soul.' To achieve this liberation, we must have clarity on what we truly want, focusing on what matters most to us. My call to action is: Define what is important to you, craft your being, craft your vision, and liberate your soul.”
“Nature profoundly nurtures my senses and serves as a cornerstone of my inspiration.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work can be described as being created from a state of flow. I invest all my intention into my art, working with a multitude of fluid colors. While these can be controlled to some extent, my technique ensures that the outcome is always somewhat unpredictable. My perception and sense of color have been profoundly influenced by the Impressionists like for example Monet, Pissarro, Degas, as well as Cézanne and Van Gogh. My work reflects movements found in nature, such as water and wind, and may incorporate elements of Expressionism. My artworks bring spaces to life; they have the power to manifest any mood or atmosphere through the interplay of colors, movement, and forms.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are many contemporary artists who inspire me, such as Fernanda Rivero and Ian Rayer Smith. However, a major source of my inspiration for composition comes from aerial photography. Seeing the Earth from above is an incredibly breathtaking and unique experience. Therefore, in my view, the greatest artist of all is Mother Nature herself. This understanding was also shared by the Impressionists, which is why my heart is continually drawn to the old masters like Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process begins with a deep contemplation of the theme, often reflecting on current issues affecting myself and my surroundings. Whether it's a challenge to overcome or a success to celebrate, my art documents our present state or desired future. I prefer creating collections, where each artwork narrates its own unique story. Before I start, I ensure that my new series is relevant and meaningful, defining the number of artworks and the emotions they should evoke. My source of inspiration is nature, as it grounds me and keeps me in the present moment. After laying the foundation, I choose formats and color schemes. I love the joy of selecting colors and working with layers, both thick and thin, to create a captivating narrative on canvas. This process involves revealing and concealing aspects of the story, creating contrasts and tensions in the painting. I use acrylic paints for their versatility in controlling the opacity with water and their waterproof quality once dried, preserving the integrity of underlying layers. The more water the more vivid is the dance on the canvas. For details and special effects, I incorporate mediums like colored pencils, pastels, oil pastels, or pigments. Layer by layer, the artwork comes to life, with drying times between stages ranging from twenty to twenty-four hours, allowing me time for reflection and a fresh perspective.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“As an artist, I believe our role in society is multifaceted and continually evolving. At its core, art serves as a mirror, reflecting the complexities, emotions, and experiences of our times. It acts as a powerful medium for social commentary, challenging norms and provoking thought, thereby contributing to cultural and societal growth. Artists have the unique ability to communicate ideas and emotions in ways that transcend language and cultural barriers. Through our work, we can inspire change, bring attention to social issues, and provide new perspectives on the human experience. We are storytellers, historians, and visionaries, capturing the essence of our era and projecting possibilities for the future. As society evolves, so does the role of the artist. With the advent of digital technology and social media, artists now have a broader platform to showcase their work and engage with a global audience. This has democratized art, making it more accessible and allowing for a greater diversity of voices and styles to be heard and seen. In the future, I see artists playing an even more integral role in shaping societal values and perspectives. As we confront global challenges like climate change, political unrest, and social inequality, the artist's ability to envision a better world and to instigate discussion and action becomes even more crucial. Our work can unite people, foster empathy, and spark innovation in ways that are essential for societal progression.”