Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Mahdavi.
Hi Hannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 5th grade, my parents signed me up for piano lessons. I, the least musically-inclined person in my family, was not thrilled about this. I begged my parents to let me take art lessons instead. They agreed, and there, in Mrs. Carter’s kitchen studio, my love of paint and brush flourished. I took painting classes all throughout my grade school years. After high school graduation, I kept painting as a way to soothe my soul.
A couple years ago, I also began designing clay earrings. I love that I can mix paint and polymer clay to make each piece unique. I work full-time in advertising as an account manager, but I have a small art business on the side to keep my creativity flowing.
I hope to be able to completely commit to my small art business in the future. The “goal” or “dream” is to own a coffee shop/art studio. It would be a collaborative space for creatives filled with inspiration on every wall.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I love art. It’s truly my greatest passion in life. However, there are days where I struggle to pick up a brush.
As I mentioned previously, Mrs. Carter was the start of my love of art. It was in her kitchen studio that I learned so much. She taught me about color. I can still hear her say, “Never use a color straight out of the tube!” She always pushed me to learn and create the most authentic pieces I could. Eventually, Mrs. Carter moved to a little studio called Starry Night Studio. I continued art lessons and became her assistant in high school to help out with the younger classes.
Mrs. Carter taught me about so much more than color though. She taught me about perseverance. How not to give up. How good things take time. But she also taught me that it’s okay to mess up. EVERYTHING can be painted over and turned into a blank canvas.
A few years ago, Mrs. Carter took her own life. It was then that I found out that she struggled with mental health. I did not know this in the time I shared with her, but I wish I had. I wish I could have told her that I, too, struggle with mental health. I wish I could have told her that art is one of the few consistencies in my life that gets me through the anxiety. It is the only calm I can find sometimes. Painting is my escape when nothing else is. I wish Mrs. Carter and I had talked about this. I wish she knew how much she taught me, both about art and about life.
When Mrs. Carter passed, I struggled to pick up a paintbrush. It was an ugly reminder that she was gone. As time went by, I realized she would want me to keep painting. Now, I think about her every time I pick up a paintbrush.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I mentioned previously, I paint and design polymer clay earrings. I draw most of my inspiration for art from nature. I grew up in Florida, and my family would go to St. George Island (on the Gulf of Mexico) almost weekly. I have always felt most like myself when I am on the water. It blows my mind how vast the gulf is.
Because I feel so connected to water, it is one of my favorite things to paint. It calms me, and I like to think my paintings do the same to those in their presence. I also created a line of earrings that incorporates the Gulf Coast. Each piece has sand from the Gulf mixed in, so it’s the perfect reminder of one’s trip or love for the Gulf. I’m really proud of this collection, as it is so near to my heart.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from travel. My dad and I share a love of travel. I don’t think there is a single problem that travel cannot solve. The culture and crowds, the food and flora, the lifestyles and landscapes. When I am traveling, I take many photos so that I can have them for painting inspiration when I return home. I’m inspired by the ever-changing colors surrounding me, and I like to incorporate those colors into my art.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can collaborate with me by shooting me a message on Instagram. I’m always open to fun collaborations with other small businesses. As far as support, I’d love for anyone interested to follow me on Instagram or check out my website.
Pricing:
- Earrings: $20-28
- Art: Varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hannahmahdavi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmahdavistudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahmahdavistudio/
