@hannaleejoshi

Instagram: @hannaleejoshi Website: www.hannaleejoshi.com

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

My story starts in South Korea. My family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada when I was young. I have always been into animation and pursued that career after university. Now I am on a path as an illustrator and artist.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

Right at this moment, I really enjoy depicting the female form with strong bold colours. My aesthetic is always evolving so it's hard to pinpoint to one label.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

I'm really digging airbrush. I am still very new at it so I enjoy learning the process and be okay with making mistakes.

4. What is your artistic process like?

I usually have an idea brewing in the back of my mind. Once I figured out what that is, I put on a good track and start thumb-nailing. I narrow down the thumbnail and usually, I start iterating on the computer. If it is an analog piece I think of colour scheme and start painting!

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

My work is primarily inspired by my own life experiences. A lot of it explores identity and universality of the human experience. Other artists that I have been loving recently are Petecia Le fawnhawk, Debora Cheyenne and Andy Gilmore.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

I think art is one way of expression for me. I am quite shy so it gives me a way to convey myself and my ideas to others. It's also a way for me to formulate an opinion about a certain subject. Art is such an interesting career choice because there is no “perfect” art/artist. You have to find your own path.

7. Where did you study?

I went to Emily Carr University for BMA in animation. Working in the animation industry was also a good learning experience.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to make work in different materials and forms that I have not explored yet. I also would love to be location independent fully.

9. What about in ten?

I hope that I am healthy, happy and continuously growing as an artist and human.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I hope that I can communicate my ideas clearly. I also would love for people to pause and be in the now from my work.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

I love mom’s home-cooked meal. Her seaweed soup is comfort food that I always love eating.

12. Favourite book?

At the moment I would say “The gone world” by Tom Sweterlitsch. It was gruesome in some parts but it had me on the edge of my seat. I also enjoyed “Three body problem” by Cixin Liu. I love a good sci-fi book.

13. Favourite genre of music?

These days I can't pinpoint just one type of genre of music. It really depends on my mood. My favourite artists that I had on repeat this year are James Blake, Moses Sumney, Sam Gellaitry and Little dragon.

14. What are your hobbies?

When I'm not making work, I enjoy reading, doing yoga, playing with my chameleon.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

I would love to be in a band! I always admire musicians and how their work can evoke emotional responses from people.