Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Hanna.
Hi Sophia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Sophia Hanna, I’m 24, and I’m an artist/art instructor in the Colorado Springs area. My story is that of a child with a dream, who is actually growing up to achieve it! As early as four years old I was telling my parents I wanted to be an artist. Growing up I was lucky enough to be wrapped in a beautiful local art community, that propped me up at every turn, along with supportive parents. At eleven years old I entered my first art show, at 17 I created my first solo show, and since then I’ve produced 4 more.
My most recent body of work debuted at Auric Gallery in 2023, diving into a typical theme in my art, body dysmorphia. I haven’t gone to school, but do partake in local classes often. These days I’m a full-time self-employed art instructor, while I create work and never stop learning. I’m here because of determination, support, and a lifelong passion for creating.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has most certainly been a crazy bumpy road. However, all of the struggles I’ve faced in my career are wrapped up in normal life’s growing pains. I face massive financial stress, mental health issues, physical health roadblocks, unexpected transitions, and more. Most of my art reflects those struggles, and my experiences navigating them.
As far as something specific, it has been hard at some points to not have any “formal” training, and building a business as a self-employed instructor is really rough at times. Despite it all, I persevere, I show up, I’m making it happen!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Specifically, I work in oil on wood, and sometimes watercolor on paper. My focus is on the figure, and people in general, their forms and their experiences. For the past two years, I’ve actually focused on the self-portrait extensively, shining light on my struggles with depression, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and more. My art is meant to be an icebreaker for a vulnerable conversation, maybe with yourself.
I’m never quite sure what genre I fit into, but I’m told my work is surreal. I am often aiming to create some sort of mind-bending illusion or indescribable feeling with my compositions. I’m not sure classifying my art matters much anyway since my art is always evolving. Regardless of genre, I’m confident you could pick out my painting in a room.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’m a sucker for the whole state. The scenery, the people, and the community, will all have my heart forever. Specifically, my favorite part of my experience growing up in Colorado Springs has been the tight-knit and supportive art community. My least favorite part has to be how often the vibrancy and talent of my city is overlooked.
Contact Info:
- Website: sophiazhanna.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sophiahannart
