Louise Hankes - Artist Statement
The images I paint originate from my childhood and flow into the series I have entitled, "Whirlism." My family came to this country from Scandinavia, and we cherished the traditional Norwegian Rosemaling, wood carving and translucent Guilloche enamel work with their organic swirls, vibrant colors and playful attitude.
My artistic roots as a printmaker influence how I listen to the figures from my ancestry which beckon contemporary shades and expression. Breathing new life and whimsy into the canvas with bold pigment and dimension elevates my spirit. With a brush in hand, it is a joy to offer new form and composition to the creative traditions of my lineage.
Rosemaling Wood Carving Guilloche
About the Artist
BA - Fine Art - Printmaking - Sonoma State University 1983
1983 - 1997 - I ran the film departments for Large Format Silk Screen and Printing Companies.
Kresky Sign Company - Petaluma, CA
Innovation Graphics - Daly City, CA
Charles Graphics - South San Francisco, CA
Marin Stat - San Rafael, CA
1997 - 2000 - VP of Marketing for APS International - San Francisco, CA
2000 - 2010 - I took on the most creative job of my life! I gave birth to two lively and wildly imaginative children.
2000 - 2011 - Studio - VisualizeArt - Silkscreen and Multi-Media workshop.
2006 - 2012 - Art Docent - Both teaching art to students and helped to develop the program for Lakeridge, Mercer Island, WA
2010 - present - A new series "Whirlism" has been inspired from my life experience.
Silkscreen, Etching, Painting, Watercolor, Woodcarving, Glass Blowing, Multi-Media and Sculpture
Post Graduate Work
The Art Institute, San Francisco, CA
The Gage, Seattle, WA
