Student Showcase: Hannah Adair

INTERVIEWED BY PAULOMI MUKHERJEE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CONRAD MAXWELL-GIROD

What has your experience been like in the printmaking program?

My concentration during my undergraduate studies was drawing, painting and printmaking. When I began, I was focused on drawing and painting. I really didn’t know anything about printmaking. When I finally took a printmaking class, I fell in love. I felt like I found what I was looking for. The processes and traditions of printmaking are so rich and fascinating. With printmaking, I still had drawing and oil based media (ink instead of paint), plus all these other processes. There is so much learn in this field, and a lot of innovating still going on.

 How did you develop your style and what inspired you to create the work you make?

Drawing with pen and ink onto abstract painterly monoprints shaped my style. Monoprint is a technique of painting with ink on plexiglass and then printing it onto paper. I started drawing with dots because I didn’t want to intrude, or be heavy handed. I love good craftsmanship and good draftsmanship. My heroes are Albrecht Durer, Hieronymus Bosch, Hans Bellmer, and Louise Bourgeois.

 What has been your most memorable achievement as an artist?

Being invited to participate in shows, or someone being moved by my work is always exciting. It’s easy to lose confidence, so positive feedback and encouragement mean a lot to me.

What are your goals after SCAD?

When I finish the M.F.A. program, I’d like to work in a community print shop and maybe move to another city for a while. Every shop is different, and there is always more to learn. I really just want to keep making art, putting it out into the world and gaining new experiences.

Do you have advice to offer aspiring printmaking artists?

I can only repeat good advice I’ve received. Follow your own intuition and interests, not what’s trendy at the moment. That will lead to more personal fulfillment and a more developed artistic practice. The most important thing to me is to just keep making art, no matter what.