Welcome to vol. 1 of 'Artist in focus.' In this series, we celebrate the talented female artists showcased in our stores, exploring their career journeys, what inspires them, and the stories behind their art.
First up is Hannah Ludnow – a Cornish-born, London-based artist whose abstract work explores memory and landscape to evoke a sense of calm.
Influence and childhood...
I grew up in Cornwall. My mum went to Falmouth art college and settled there in the 70s. Art at home was heavily encouraged, and something I did from a very young age. Growing up in Cornwall the influence of the coastline, the sea and the rugged landscape became inbuilt in you. Peter Lanyon's son was a family friend, so I was aware of his work early on and I learnt of a new way to interrupt the landscape around me artistically. I was also immersed visually in the abstract expressionists coming out of St Ives in the early-mid 20th century who all reinterpreted their surroundings and having these influences around me shaped the artistic journey I’ve been on ever since.
Creative inspiration...
Although I grew up in Cornwall, I moved to London at 18 and whilst I draw on this relationship, I had with that landscape I work from memory to evoke the sense of how it feels. I get inspired daily with the creative people around me in the studio, the artistic community of East London constantly evolves, and it feels exciting, like you are part of something that’s pushing forward. My partner is a photographer, and we bounce ideas off each other daily. We trust in each other’s creative judgment and his steadfast belief in me helps me explore and try new things.
Career journey...
Becoming a parent meant taking a lot of time out of being in the studio and making work. I found this a difficult adjustment as I find the need to paint is almost a physical urge, not to mention it is my income. During those hazy sleepless early years of having young children, I felt frustrated but also that I’d lost the path I was on, it was also hard to be both things. I know this is a battle most women have, the need to be a present and involved parent and the need to have a fulfilling career or at least something for yourself. It’s not an easy balance and I think women should be supported more during this time; you can easily get stuck in a childcare vs work circle. Getting back into the studio full-time felt very exhilarating and I used the built-up frustrations to drive me forward. Since then, I have achieved a few career highlights, getting 2 artworks into the Royal Academy summer show, selling out of work at London Art Fair and having artwork in Soho Home London and LA.
Evoking a sense of calm...
The lino cut series (as seen in Varley) are inspired by a sense of cartography, the lines of rivers and mountains against the straight geometric arrangement of ley lines, all of which tie them back to landscape. Each section is a separate lino cut relief print and the paper itself becomes part of the artwork, some pieces being up to 200 years old. Each grouping gets rearranged and sometimes cut up and collaged back together to reinterpret the initial piece to find balance and piece within the space. All my work hopes to evoke a sense of unity, calm and harmony.
Favourite Dalston haunts...
There is a great Cuban on Stoke Newington high street called Escudo de Cuba which has a lethal happy hour, for food it’s got to be Papo's Bagels or Dusty Knuckle. In the summer Dalston rooftop but also love the Shacklewell Arms.
