Hannah Mills Interview

Hannah is a wonderful artist that I met a over a year ago. We instantly clicked the first minute we met and immediately became close friends.

She is the most open and unique person I have ever met because she is fully herself at all times. This fact interests me so much because she is also very introverted yet, she never changes who she is for anyone. I love that!

I did an interview with Hannah a while ago which you can watch here and thought it would be lovely dto do an updated interview a year or so later in a written format. This is because she gives such deep and thoughtful answers so I felt it would be a beautiful, full and inspirational read.

Check out her interview and more of her art below!

Nadine: What's your name, where are you from and what do you do?

Hannah: My name's Hannah Mills. I'm British but born and raised in Norway. Currently work part time in the hospitality sector and produce art on the side. I'm an artist.

N: How would you describe your style and what do you want people to take away from your art?

H: Hmm, my style.....I don't really think that much about style. I think if one gets hung up in what one's style is one may get a bit stalled, and not produce as much as if one just went ahead with it. Style is something that comes naturally with time as long as one keeps at it. Having been doing this for a few years now I would say I have one but it's easier for the viewer to determine what it is than for the creator I think. I do like details though. So I'm not an abstract person. I also use a lot of strong colours in my work.

What do I want people to take away from my work...hmm....To not be afraid to express oneself. Fear, failure, anxiety and depression are quite prevalent subjects these days. Society as a whole is more aware of these things today. (Perhaps these issues have been getting progressively worse too). Speaking from my own experience they can cripple you, paralyze you. And overthinking is such a killer of creativity! Been there, done that! Being allowed to express yourself is vital! If you don't allow yourself to be you, and instead bottle things up.....well.....we all know that's not good!

N: Where do you find your inspiration for your work?

H: My inspiration can come from anywhere. My own inner world, things in society that I think are important subjects, wildlife, scenery, other forms of art and amazing artists and creators out there. Anything really.

N: Walk us through a day in the life of Hannah.

H: A day in my life (chuckle), hmm ok well, when it comes to my art, I do that working from home. So firstly, I can have a lie in, which is nice. Get up, sort myself out, wander to the kitchen, get coffee, check social media, emails etc. wait a wee while, then have some breakfast. (Probably still in my pjs at this point haha. I usually tend to be more in the creative mindset late afternoon, early evening and continue to work until 10-11pm. Then do something else for a wee while to help wind down a little before bed. That's another reason why I don't, you know, wake up at the crack of dawn - it always takes a while for my brain to shut off, to wind down enough to actually fall asleep. I do also have to be flexible though as I have shifts within my hospitality work.

N: Do you ever have days where you feel unmotivated to create or have imposter syndrome? How do you overcome those thoughts and feelings?

H: Oh gosh yes! Both! And it sucks! First of all I've learned that trying to "run away" from these things/beat them down isn't really the answer. They'll just grow stronger. Acceptance is SO important. Accept that that's how you feel then and there in that moment of time. Try to push past by being creative anyway. If that doesn't work, practice meditation/mindfulness or get up and go do something else for a wee while. If possible - use the thoughts and feelings that are going on and try to visualize them (voila - art!) This has worked for me before now. My pieces called "Trapped" and "Lost" are perfect examples.

There's a balance to be found between self compassion / giving yourself space and time and being self disciplined. It can be hard to find the balance, and some may think it's laziness, but it's not. Just because you aren't visually/physically being active just then, doesn't mean you're not working. Mentally you're attempting to overcome barriers. That's a vital action right there!

N: You have a great Facebook page with a very engaged following! Do you have any tips for artists who are a bit unsure of what types of content to post and how often?

H: Thank you very much.

Ahh, this is something I need to work on myself. Consistency wise I think it's a good idea to aim to post something at least once a week. I've had periods where I was pretty good at that, and it was awesome to have that structure. People knew when they could expect a new piece and go check it out.

I have failed, at times, to keep this consistent however. It's a routine/good aim to have though! When it comes to content... this came up in a conversation I had with someone once. They said it was important to create things people want to see. Yes, I get that, but if you have an image inside that's "bursting to come out" I think you owe it to yourself to "let it out". It's clearly important to you and once it's out you have that very important sense of achievement and can lay that project aside and go start the next one. Art can be very therapeutic. Sometimes I can have a piece "brewing" for years. "Marinating" in the background before it's fully formed and I can see it more clearly and produce it. Other times the "marination" process is shorter. Creating content the viewer wishes to see, and also pieces you want/need to express I believe are both important.

N: Any exciting projects in the works or coming up that you can tease?!

H: Well, I've had an idea for ..... kind of like a series of paintings, for a while now. It's quite an extensive project I have in mind and it involves animals. I hope to get started on this not too far down the pipeline. And that's all I will say about that. I also have another project I'm thinking of, but I'll keep you guessing for now.

N: What tips can you give an aspiring artist?

H: One thing I wish I had hammered into me years ago is DON'T listen when people tell you to quit the art/creative-side because you're not going to make it a job and there's just no point trying! My art has helped me out of a very difficult time in my life. I was in a bad place, and it became therapy for me. (I know this is typical and cliche but it's so true!): If you have a passion for a type of art whatever form it is. Do it! Whether it's a hobby or you wish to make it your job. do it! I think we forget how much art there is out there and how much we are surrounded by it every single day without even realising. We need it. Perhaps people give discouraging messages because they don't want to see other people's heart broken if it doesn't work out / they tried once themselves and hit a wall so they think they're being protective. Perhaps people feel threatened by competition or they end up comparing themselves to others. The competition you should be thinking about is the one you have with yourself! Compare your present self to your former self. See how far you've come! Believe me I know how hard it can be to live by such words, but they're true!

Creativity is hard! It's not easy being creative. I know many artists have had these comments put to them (myself included): "Wow you must have so much free time!" "Oh! Can you make this for me, you know, for free?"

And as with any job: you will definitely have challenges/barriers etc. you will get frustrated. You have to work hard! You can't do it for hours and hours on end unless you really love it!

Thanks Hannah!

Visit: www.hannahmillsart.com