Meet Hannah Gaskins Pabon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Gaskins Pabon.

Hannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a family that appreciated the arts. I spent much time in music and theater. As I got older, I dabbled in visual arts but not until college did I truly dive into this field. During my time at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, I debated on majoring in psychology. My goal was to become a therapist to help support others and help people find their voices. While I was studying, I was also taking Studio Art classes. These classes brought me joy and I decided to continue following this path of Studio Art. I came to realize that I could use my art to bring a voice for different subject matters that are important to me. My final semester of college I had to create a series based on a singular theme. This was the time that truly challenged me to create art with a message. After graduating with a degree in Studio Art, I continued painting. I now live in Winston Salem, NC and work as both a Preschool teacher and an artist. I am inspired by my time with the children as they create with no bounds. It fuels my own art and helps to renew my creativity. My paintings continue to represent current topics that are important to me, from Interpersonal violence awareness to environmental change, to creating art that represents diversity and inclusivity.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The idea of being an artist has at times been intimidating. As with any job, there is a learning curve. Fortunately for me, as I have hit questions about the life of an artist, I have the pleasure of being able to ask for advice from the talented artists in my community. Another struggle I have at times is artist block. Sometimes images and ideas flow in making it easy to create. However, sometimes I feel inspired but cannot figure out how to start my paintings. When this happens, I try to get out and see art whether that means at a local gallery or museum, or by taking a walk in nearby gardens. Oftentimes, writing and poetry help stir my creativity as well. Inspiration strikes when I least expect it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in oil paintings. I paint an array of images, some more surreal and some with a focus on portraiture. I also create inked continuous line drawings/paintings. Most of my portraits are of females that inspire me, from Frida Kahlo to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Greta Thunberg, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and many more. My surreal oil paintings are based on current-day topics and subject matter that are important to me. Part of my goal as an artist is to create paintings that begin conversations on these subjects, subjects that are not often talked about. With each piece, I aim to create to a safe place for communication and discussion. I am most proud of these pieces that make people feel something.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was very into reading, music, and theater. My favorite book when I was younger was the Hobbit. I was excited by all things mythical, from fairies to mermaids and the Loch Ness Monster. Music is something that has always been a part of my life. I am very proud to be a Latina artist. My Puerto Rican grandfather, Tony Pabon, was a musician and when I would visit this family in New York, there would always be loud lively music playing. Part of why I love painting now is that it allows me to listen to so much music. I lived in New York for about half of my childhood. Once I moved to North Carolina, I found a love for musical theater. I was always so shy as a kid, but I loved being on the stage. I usually spent my summers acting in the local theaters and visiting my family in New York. I was also homeschooled for a few years and remember that being the first time I learned about master artists like Van Gogh and Matisse. I am so thankful for being raised in a way that let me see and appreciate all forms of art.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://linktr.ee/artbyhannahelise
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyhannahelise/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbyhannahelise/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/byhannahelise
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/artebyhannahelise

Image Credits:
Alison Shermeta Photography