Artist Spotlight Series: Hannah Betzel

December 1, 2016

Artist Spotlight Series: Hannah Betzel

Abstract Art, Abstract Expressionist, Art, Artist, Athens, Georgia, Hannah Betzel

I know I have been a bit off schedule with my normal Artist Spotlight Series Monday features but, I could not wait to share the latest artist.

I met her through The Southern C and have loved watching her work evolve.

She is a rising talent that has an amazing abstract expressionist style all her own.

Enjoy getting to know

Hannah Betzel

Athens, Georgia

What is your training?

I took private art lessons on a college level when I was 14 years old and went through three years of college once I graduated high school. I had a difficult time deciding on a major (painting, interior design, fabric design all fascinate me) so I stopped going and started painting on my own. I plan to go back and finish once my boys are both in school. My youngest starts preK next fall.

What inspires you and your designs?

This year, it’s been about connecting on a deeper level with my work. Finding the ‘Why” behind it. I’ve realized that relationships give more meaning to my art – how people connect with one another and how they connect with art.

What is your favorite piece?

Right now, it’s Mama’s Lullaby. It will be showing in Serena and Lily’s store very soon. This piece is from my Conversations Series. The conversations I had with my boys when I’d rock them and sing to them at night when they were babies will forever be the sweetest in the world to me. This painting reminds me of those precious moments when I’d sing and they’d stare up at me and coo little curly words back as if they were singing too.

How has the your area influenced your work?

Athens is such a supportive community for artists. There is so much encouragement to express yourself and grow.

What is your favorite restaurant in Athens?

This might be the toughest question in this interview! There are so many great restaurants in Athens! We love being able to walk to dinner, so this means we usually eat in Five Points. Royal Peasant is our go-to with the kids

and for date night we walk to The Pine

or 5&10. It’s pretty difficult to find a bad meal in this town.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I’m more of a red wine girl, but for cocktails I like to try whatever special cocktail is being served. It’s fun to try what the bartenders are excited to be making.

How do you balance personal life and work?

Still figuring that one out. It’s a work in progress, but I found that if I can stick to some kind of routine, everyone in my family (including myself) is much happier. I think I’ll have that one figured out by the time both kids are off to college. ha!

Dream trip?

Greece! The Islands of Santorini.

Dream commission?

I once dreamed that I made a painting so big it had to be lifted by a crane into its NY high rise apartment. I cannot imagine what I’d do with a canvas that big, but it’d make for a pretty fantastic story for the grandkids one day, wouldn’t it?

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

Wine or a mini painting. Wine is predictable, but always appreciated.

Who is your style icon?

The women of NY Fashion Week. The most inspirational style for me comes from the photos of random women just slaying it. Their confidence is killer.

Your favorite up and coming artist?

My kids. Who knows what they’ll be when they’re adults, but I love the way they draw without overthinking it. We forget how to do that when we grow up.

What is your most treasured possession?

I made the headpiece that my wedding veil attached to and keep it stored safely. I prize it not because I made it, but because on my wedding day, my mom meticulously hand sewed the comb to the back of it. No one would ever see it, but she did it with such care when all I asked for was for it not to fall apart until after we said our “I do’s.” It looks like it was professionally done.

What are you reading?

I’ve been reading Matisse: His Art and His Textiles lately

and just picked up a copy of In The Company of Women. Both hold endless inspiration.

What are you listening to?

I prefer instrumental when I’m painting and I love my headphones. They let me drown all other noise out and help me focus. The words and lyrics of others often distract me and prevent me from translating my own heart onto canvas. Give me only music and I’ll come up with my own lyrics in the form of marks and color. Ludovico Einaudi is one of my go-to’s while working. The song Divenire is beautiful. It starts out slow but picks up.