Louise Hankes - Artist Statement

My artwork is a juxtaposition of tightly structured and loosely playful. I enjoy the journey from the right hemisphere of my brain to my left and back again, in the process producing an invitation for the viewer to engage with color, shape and the way they interact with each other. Living in sometimes seasonally gray Seattle, I want to inject surprise, wonder, color, humor and joy. 

Whirlism is a window into my inner landscape of fantasy. These shapes dance in my head and shower my waking moments with happiness. When I encounter a painting or sculpture from this series out in the world, it’s like bumping into an old friend. I am grateful for artists and friends who inspire me to reach outside of my preconceived notions and paint from by inner voice. 

Education

Public Art Bootcamp Office of Art's and Culture - Seattle, WA - May 2015

Edge Program Artist Trust, Seattle WA - Career Development - August 2014

Post Graduate Studies            Gage Academy of  Art, Seattle WA - Advanced Painting
                                                                The Art Institute, San Francisco, CA - Advanced Printmaking 

BA - Fine Art                                           Art History and Printmaking, Minor in Business- Sonoma State University 1983

Art Gallery's, Exhibits & Awards

August -September 2017        Mercer Island Arts Council Gallery           “On a Whim”

Sept 2017                                                Uncorked  - Sculpture Garden

July 2017                                 New Seasons Market                               Solo Show

July 2015                                 Artist Trust - Edge/ Galvanize                  Graduate Exhibition
October 2013                          Ryan James-Kirkland                               Solo Artist Exhibition
September 2013                     Mercer Island Arts Council                       Prize Winner for "Surf Dance" - two paintings selected
May 2013                                                Sound Transit Seattle                              Selected as an approved artist by Sound Transit.
Feb 2013                                 Ryan James Gallery-Bellevue   Whirlism featured in Grand Opening Gala
October 2012                                          Veridian Group Exhibition                        Show on Mercer Island, WA
July 2012                                 Bellevue Festival of the Arts                    Juried Art Show

Press Articles
Sept 2017                                                "Team Artist - Bark Art"                           Luxe Magazine
Sept 2016                                                "Team Artist - Bark Art"                          Luxe Magazine
Sept 2015                                                "Team Artist - Bark Art"                           Luxe Magazine

Feb 2014                                                 “Business Spotlight - Artist Louise Hankes"   Mercer Island Living
Jan 2013 "Mercer Island artist in New Bellevue Art Gallery" Mercer Island Reporter

July 26th 2012                         "Mercer Island artist to showcase work at Bellevue                                                                                 Mercer Island Reporter –“ Festival of the arts" (front page)

July 19th 2012                                         "Artist brings playful paintings to Bellevue Festival     Bellevue Reporter
June 30th 2012                       "Bellevue Arts Week"                               The Scene

Professional and Teaching History - available upon request

Contact Me
My Studio is located on
Mercer Island, in Heavenly Washington State
206-229-9875