Drawing has always been a form of therapy for me, so the desire to sketch calls from a very personal place. To me, art allows the space for reflection & interpretation of one’s dreams, surroundings, humors, senses and musings - channeled from a futile need to organize the chaos of life.

This is a domain at the mercy of my utensils, style & prerogatives.

We all defend our internal story, which is woven together by those perceptions and angles of ‘sight’; Ideas of identity are relayed to & by the psyche through our beautifully imperfect physical bodies… Each with predictable human frailties - as well as limitless unknown potential - same as all those who came before and all who are to follow.

Countless ripples of matter, perspectives and existences have brought us to this moment, this reality. Emphasizing how entangled each of our choices + beings are with one another - waves of both familiar and unintended influences fill in the cracks of who we cherish ourselves to be. For me, it is (crucially) empathy, overwhelming observation and gratitude that cements us in the ever present now.

Pen, India ink with brush, graphite, and my digital tablet are my favored mediums with which to work, although I dabble with markers, acrylic paint and most mediums I can get my hands on. Art is made for a list of endless reasons, but I hope to create visions that can somehow get you lost in the moment & maybe help one sift through the immense feelings and obstacles of our day - Attempting reach a better future by insisting deep contemplation of oneself, and our personal relationships with the surrounding societies and forces at large. Respecting the importance of acknowledging both real and perceived adversaries - past, present, future - and their affect on our universe as we know it.

I’ve lived in the spectacular BlueRidge mountains since early 2011, and soon after met my now cherished husband/partner-in-life, Matthew; Asheville’s friendly neighborhood pharmacist. Together we have oodles of cats and one danger noodle (our Kenyan sand boa). We plan continue to build our lives here and to become more invested in this unique valley nestled in western North Carolina. ———————————————————————————

I was born in Rome, NY - My mom, dad and I lived there for only a few months before calling someplace new: home. Many Air Force brats, like myself, would attest that constant situational adjustments, the inescapable convergence of many diverse peoples & talents, as well as the potential esteem building adventures in one’s childhood is something to be incredibly Thankful for. I adore having lived so many places, but more than that - I developed awe-riddled pride for my dad, a now retired commander, who flew B-52’s and taught me the importance of standing up to bullies. Soldiers, artists, scientists, and (pressingly) journalists, labor activists & civil rights leaders of days past have laid the foundation which we all partake; Each of us has a responsibility TODAY to make our vicinities safe, kind & equitable for EVERYONE.

My mom, is a creative (graduated with a focus in textiles), and despite the pressure of a military life she was supportive with the ever-changing vision of their lives - let alone - reality of what the future might bring. By my third year we had relocated to a few states before flying to Brazil. Some of my most cherished memories are from the five years we lived in this lively, colorful country. The experiences there informed so much for me during those crucial early years. We also welcomed my little brother, Lucas, into our lives. Our parents did divorce after moving to California, but are still good friends to this day.

Near the beginning of the new millennium- My mother, (who began a new career in nutrition) brother and I moved to New England to be close to family of both sides, while my dad continued to be a nomad in the name of anti-terror. The opportunities available to me, through my parent’s work and effort, seemed to only grow as I got older. It was always important to do right by them, even when I felt no where near good enough and somewhat at odds with, or at least happily questioning, many cultural expectations. My pointed adolescent fury and frustration was becoming more exposed.

It was always drawing, the freedom in ART, that gave me my sense of space that could be manipulated as my own; without fear or judgement. I could become connected to an alternate yet possible reality that satisfies my desire to mold my very human needs of feeling and power - cultivating identity & meaning making - Initially through fashion designs then becoming enamored by character creation & anime . In college, life drawing became my life. Each line unique as each person; confidently puzzling out the space, putting a moment in time - complicated beyond words - to paper. There was a moment when I envisioned myself continuing school after attaining my BFA for a specialization in medical illustration, but after many whirlwinds of personal + global revelations - I feel a pull to visualize felt connections between personal experience, passion, lore & elements of sentiment.

My “doodling” became a guide on how to just BE… a way to manage the feelings of inadequacy, even at their most fearful. I began to somewhat enjoy friends gathering around my creations - their expressions bright, their mouths overflowing with “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” & sometimes the occasional “eep”. It was a blend of powerful feelings that only occurred around what was once a blank sheet of paper.

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Courtney Rose Hannen

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