The Power of Visual Storytelling
Hanja is a versatile artist whose work spans across various mediums including painting, animation, ceramics, sculpture, and digital design. With a BFA in painting from the University of Hawaii, Hanja’s artistic journey is marked by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a deep connection with her cultural roots.
Identifying firstly as a painter, Hanja considers her paintings to be her soul’s purpose. While her other mediums share similarities in style they are often an extension of that which she mainly communicates through canvas and brush. Her works are characterized by vibrant colors, soft boundaries between intricate details and primitive paint strokes, and an exaggerated distortion of proportion. Primarily figurative, her subjects melt into their environments like puzzle pieces, drawing inspiration from cubism and contemporary pop-art.
Central to Hanja’s work are themes exploring the sacred connection between movement and deep feeling. She delves into these themes to unearth primal knowledge inherited from ancestors or messages from the universe on processing trauma and experiencing life with full awareness. These topics amplify her commitment to environmental consciousness and the cultural heritage of Hawaiian ancestors. Often drawing inspiration from nature, dreams, and the ocean, her paintings weave narratives on the symbiotic relationship between humans and 'āina (earth in Hawaiian), and the imaginary line between the two.
Included within the vast library of Hanja's paintings are an array of mediums such as acrylic, oil paint, chalk and oil pastel, and watercolor. Her recent work focuses on using non-toxic materials and reclaimed fabrics, reflecting her dedication to leading the art world toward more sustainable practices.
In the realm of animation, Hanja excels in 2D creations using Procreate and Adobe programs. Her approach blends digital and analog techniques to achieve a dynamic and engaging visual style. By utilizing textures and layers, she brings her imaginative visions to life with a distinctive flair.
Hanja’s ceramics and sculpture work is rooted in a long-standing appreciation for traditional techniques. Although she is still exploring these mediums, she delights in throwing simple bowls and sculpting vases. Her primary focus is on crafting unique figures for functional purposes . Her use of straightforward methods results in meticulously perfected pieces that reflect her personal style and attention to detail.
In digital design, Hanja employs Procreate to create vibrant visuals, including album covers, logo design, and virtual paintings. Her electronic work shares similarities with her paintings but benefits from the bright colors and ease of revisions inherent to digital mediums. While it may lack the texture of traditional paintings, it stands out for its modern versatility and dynamic presentation.
Hanja’s diverse body of work is united by her goal to influence minds towards kindness, compassion, and environmental consciousness. Her art is a testament to her creativity, technical skill, and commitment to both artistic and ecological innovation.
Lets Create Together
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