Congratulations to Hannah Beaton, our latest Instagram winner! Based in East Sussex, UK, Hannah is an alcohol ink and resin artist who creates jewellery and homeware using original artwork finished with a beautiful resin shine: "I create artwork inspired by the colours of nature and movement. I love creating functional art so I use my original artwork to create ranges of jewellery and homeware. My most popular range has been my rainbows, all the colours in harmony, as well as my ocean inspired work."
Does where you're from or where you currently live influence your work?
Yes definitely, living by the sea and beautiful countryside has meant that a lot of my work is inspired by our oceans, the colours of nature and movement.
What's your art background? Are you self-taught or did you study art?
Self-taught and really went for it during lockdown.
Are you a full-time artist or do you create around work hours?
Pretty much now yes. I’m an occupational therapist by trade and a clinical supervisor which fits well around all my creating and mummy duties!
What do you love about the mediums that you use in your work?
I fell in love with the movement of alcohol inks and the sheer range of colour combinations. I love watching the inks collide and seeing the shapes and textures emerge, no painting is ever the same.
When did you discover resin?
Unfortunately my first time using resin (not ArtResin!) was not good due to an adverse health reaction. This put me off for years but I knew that my work needed that beautiful resin shine to give that professional finish. So I went on a search to find non-toxic safe resin and that’s when I found ArtResin, I haven’t looked back since!
How has resin impacted your artwork?
A huge amount! It has taken my work to a whole new level which has allowed me to grow in confidence, believe in my products, try new creations and build my business. Thank you resin
Can you provide a brief rundown of your process?
My process involves setting up at my little desk in the corner of our living room, watching whatever reality TV show I’m currently obsessed with, slap on my protective gear (safety first!) and get painting. I then select sections from my artwork to cut out and make into jewellery pieces before applying a resin finish. I also paint directly onto ceramic coasters and use resin to give the heat resistant protection. There’s lots of trials and errors, including hours of research, in my process so some things I have to keep close to my chest.
Why do you want to make art? What motivates you to create?
The main reason for me is that I need that creative outlet for my own mental wellbeing. I get a huge sense of satisfaction from creating and I feel so grateful that I have the opportunity to engage in something so meaningful to me. A huge inspiration for me is building a business that allows me to work flexibly around caring for my son and to always be there for him. I think seeing me be creative everyday has inspired him to create his own masterpieces too, long may that last.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Having worked within mental health settings for many years I’ve seen first hand the benefits of creative arts on our well mental being. When I’m creating I get a sense of peace, focus and complete break from the loudness of that inner dialogue. I’m an overthinker, a worrier and a bit of a perfectionist so painting with alcohol inks has forced me to completely let go and trust the process…what will be will be.
What do you hope someone sees or feels when they look at your art?
I see my art as bringing hope, distraction from the challenges of life, happiness and a sense of calm through the colours and patterns created by the inks. My hope is that my creations evoke the same positive sensations that we experience when we immerse ourselves in the natural world.
How do you define success as an artist? What does that look and feel like for you?
I think that as long as you’re still loving what you do and getting lost in the creative process then that’s a win for me! When I take a step back and look at my creations and think ‘yeah I made that!’ and feel pride in bringing my ideas to life, I know that I’m on the right path. My art has also allowed me to contribute and provide for my family which I am eternally grateful for and see that as a great success!
Where do you sell your work?
Congratulations on your win, Hannah!
Every month, to celebrate our community of artists, ArtResin will send out a 32 oz kit to two lucky people who have tagged us on Instagram, showing the work they've created with ArtResin.
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
