Artist Spotlight Series: Charlie Hanavich

October 12, 2015

Artist Spotlight Series: Charlie Hanavich

Art, Artist, Charlie Hanavich, Chuck Close, Florida, Helen Davis Designs, Iris Apfel Portrait!, Miami, Miami Artist

I am thrilled to introduce you to a true talent that I was introduced to by my soul sister, Helen Davis Design, who also happens to be the lucky owner of the Iris Apfel portrait.

I know you will be mesmerized just as I am of my latest Artist Spotlight Series feature…

Charlie Hanavich

Miami, Florida

What is your training?

I moved to New York in 2006 for what turned out to be a short-lived visit to my own future. While I didn’t find the ‘business’ direction I was seeking, I re-discovered my passion for the arts and artistic medium of choice, painting. A regular visitor to MOMA, I spent hours staring at Picasso’s Girl Before a Mirror. I had to have it. This was the beginning.

Upon returning to Atlanta, GA, my first move was purchasing a large canvas and paint. A short time later Girl Before Mirror was hanging on my wall (where she still hangs today). Much of my artistic output has been generated in absence of any formal art training, simply passion.

What inspires you and your designs?

My surroundings – Miami.

What is your favorite piece?

Each piece is special in it’s own way. The most important piece might be ‘War Horse, 2012’. War Horse was my first painting using the ‘Grid’ technique that continues to evolve today and is considered to be my ‘signature’ style. In addition, War Horse was my first painting with great scale measuring 72in x 60in.

How has the your area influenced your work?

There’s a constant ‘hustle’ about Miami – if you’re not giving your all – someone else is…. this motivates me. Host to international art fairs such as Art Basel, Miami’s art scene is exploding with opportunity at the highest levels.

The street art scene; Miami is the voice for street art. It’s amazing to see the ever changing murals throughout the city and of course, the iconic Wynwood area. The community really embraces the art scene. There’s a raw energy here that’s not found anywhere else…. its pure, its electric, it’s Miami.

The sky. Miami has the best natural light. During summer storms the Miami sky puts on her biggest shows illuminating in endless color. I spend just as much time stopping to embrace my setting as much as do painting. It’s how I escape – It’s my happy place.

What is your favorite restaurant in Miami?

Garcia’s

What is your favorite cocktail?

Rob Roy – Scotch cocktail.

Regent Cocktail Club (MIA) makes the best.

How do you balance personal life and work?

I’m very OCD so, a calendar is key.

Dream trip?

The most enjoyable trips have been spent fishing with my brother and dad. I’d love to travel and fish the top spots around the globe. I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing other than fly fishing for tarpon.

Dream commission?

You made me think here….. Today, Chuck Close has been an enormous influence. It would be spectacular to paint a portrait of Chuck for Chuck – that would be cool, wouldn’t it!

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

A ‘CH Stencil’, of course. People seem to cherish original, one of a kind gifts.

Who is your style icon?

I don’t have one particular icon…. maybe the myriad of styles I see walking the streets of Miami every day…something new catches my eye each time I walk out the front door.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

The most recent is Joe Iurato. I’m really digging his wood cutouts.

What is your most treasured possession?

I consider each new day I wake to be a ‘treasured possession’. One of my best friends passed way too early so I burn a candle for him each time I paint (I’ve never told anyone this publicly). Through him, I continue to chase my passion each day.

What are you reading?

The Red Speck by Stacy Conde