10 Questions with Hannah Jones

Hannah Jones is a Berlin-based artist who grew up in Swansea, Wales. She has had exhibitions internationally in Berlin, Paris, New York, and Greece. Jones graduated with a focus on camera work, moving, and still images. Her earlier work took her around Europe photographing live music, including the likes of Liam Gallagher, Pete Doherty, and Trampolene. But, it is with a paintbrush that her experiences find a way of channelling her love of abstraction into reality.

@h_2oart

ARTIST STATEMENT

Hannah Jones primarily works with acrylics and inks on canvas and paper. She is inspired by songs, colours, and shapes. Her pieces usually begin with a synesthesia experience translated into painting through her compositions. Music is the all-pervading element in each of her works.

Jones often begins by selecting a piece of music that resonates with her on an emotional level. She then uses that emotional response as a starting point for her painting, translating the rhythm and mood of the music into a visual form. Jones builds up layers of colour to create abstract compositions that reflect the emotions and associations triggered by the music. The rhythm, being a temporal pattern, is translated into a series of painted layers –some of which remain visible on the surface while others are hidden, all informing the finished piece.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?

Hey, I'm Hannah Jones; I started experimenting with images as a child; I would sleep in a small cupboard under the stairs, where I expressed my creativity by drawing all over the walls with little abstractions. After being given a camera, my passion evolved into a profound appreciation for photography, allowing me to capture fleeting moments that resonated. Embarking on a journey as a live music photographer, I traveled to various amazing and awful places, encountering remarkably talented individuals along the way. Additionally, I found solace in the captivating realm of documentary-style photography, for to me, there is something truly extraordinary about ordinary moments. But It's with a brush that I really found a way to express myself that felt like it was mine.

You first worked as a photographer before shifting to painting. What inspired you to pursue a career as a painter?

People, places, and things inspired the shift, but I would say Primarily the process. I really love what you learn while creating a painting. The creative process itself offered a unique means of connection, allowing me to transcend any incessant thoughts. And just hear colors. That was the reason to switch, really, who I am when I create.

Something blue, Acrylic on watercolour paper, 30x30 cm (11.8x11.8”), 2021 © Hannah Jones

Conversations, acrylic on canvas, 70x70cm © Hannah Jones

How would you define yourself as an artist nowadays?

I think, really, I would say that I'm an abstract painter.

And what are the main similarities and differences between painting and photography, in your opinion?

For me, I'd say actually who I am when I create them, but also, there are both similarities and differences in the process.
A big difference would be the texture of the result and also the thought to hear I could be projecting my methods but the amount and type of thought that goes in beforehand. I don't think before showing up to a canvas; I just know it's going to get messy. With photography, I would have more of a plan, even if that was just where I would be, for example.
The similarities being both disciplines involve a creative journey. If we are talking more literally, both involve the interplay of various elements, such as composition, lighting, color, and form, to bring about a cohesive result.

With every beat, Acrylic on watercolour paper, 30x30 cm (11.8x11.8”), 2022 © Hannah Jones

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your artistic routine when working?

Well, on a standard day, I would go with putting the music on full and see what happened. I like to move around, so I paint on the walls and on the floor. I like to be able to move the canvas. It needs to be turned around so I can look at it to know which direction I'm painting it in. I have painted at 4 am in the morning and also during office hours. It's not structured, which is quite funny as I do enjoy a list.

You primarily work with abstract paintings, using bold colors and heavy dark lines. Why do you use this visual language? And how has it evolved over the years?

I use this as I find it striking. I think on canvas or paper, I am quite bold. It just seems to be what is in there. I use it because it's the way I feel the most expressive. My process has evolved; I incorporate more layers in my work. Now, in fact, that is an integral part of the process for me now, almost to hide things within layers. The darker lines within my work, I think, can ground a piece. Ha yeah, grounded abstraction.

What do you hope that the public takes away from your work? And what messages would you like to convey?

I hope that they have their own ideas once they see the work. I do think that once a piece is done, it's not for me anymore; then, it's for whoever is looking at it. The process is the part where I have a conversation. Once the painting is finished, that's when the public's conversation can begin. Their conversations are wilder than anything I can imagine too. I hope they take what they need, and I cannot pretend that I would know what that is some someone else. Maybe it's comfort, maybe it's discomfort, or it could be something else altogether.

Is there anything else you would like to experiment with or incorporate into your practice?

Yes, well, I think that I would like to incorporate sight-specific installations. I have ideas of how I would like the next few projects to be potentially more interactive with the audience, too but let's see.

Fuse, Acrylic on watercolour paper, 50x70cm (19.7x 27.5”), 2021 © Hannah Jones

You are currently living in Berlin. What do you think about the art community and market there?

The art community is strong. There are a lot of very talented artists hear. And you run into each other too, which is cool as you get to see people at different points in their artistic journey. I think it's an incredible place for creation, but it is not the place for big sales. There is that market hear, but it's very niche.

Finally, any projects you are looking forward to for this year?

Yes, very much I have a few exciting things coming up this year, which I am really excited about. I have two residences at the end of the year, so one in NYC and the other in Mexico hear. I'm going to be working on a project close to my heart as it echoes back to significant times in my life, so I am very much looking forward to that for this year.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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