We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hannah, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic has been shaped by a combination of influential individuals and pivotal experiences. Much of it stems from the unwavering determination and hard work of my parents, who instilled in me a sense of punctuality that has become a defining trait. Reflecting on our habit of constantly arriving 15 minutes early to events, I realize how this disciplined approach has become ingrained in my own work ethic.
Interestingly, in the realm of creativity, one has the opportunity to craft a unique work ethic, a concept that continually evolves in tandem with dedication and discipline. My journey has also been enriched by the work experiences I accumulated during my formative years. A special acknowledgement goes to my initial and long-standing employer, Rob & Deb’s Frozen Dreams, where I joyfully served ice cream from the age of 15 to 26. The nurturing and familial atmosphere of this small business left a lasting impression on me. Observing the commitment and entrepreneurial spirit of Rob and Deb significantly influenced my approach to business.
Equally impactful, was my time at Adirondack Studios, a professional scenic design and fabrication company in my local area. Over the course of a year, I gained invaluable insights into the intricate processes involved in producing large-scale murals. The experience at Adirondack Studios has left me profoundly grateful and has contributed significantly to my overall professional growth.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For the past four years, I have been a full-time artist, with a primary focus on painting murals—exterior large-scale and interior spaces. My journey in mural painting spans 11 years, and every moment of it has been a labor of love. Beyond the realm of walls, I have been actively engaged in live wedding paintings for the past three years. Collaborating with couples, I bring a unique entertainment aspect to their special day by capturing the magic of the entire wedding on canvas in real-time.
While murals and live wedding paintings serve as my main sources of income, I also take on commissions and maintain an online shop featuring my artwork on various products, all priced affordably. Exploring new avenues, I have delved into mural consulting and public art consulting in recent years. I proudly serve on two boards, including Muralgarten, a burgeoning public art space on the east end of Glens Falls. In our inaugural year, Muralgarten witnessed the creation of nine vibrant murals, with many more in the pipeline, complemented by landscaping and public events celebrating the arts.
A particularly fulfilling aspect of my artistic journey involves conducting mural painting courses for youth, spanning ages 9 to 18. This endeavor has proven to be exceptionally rewarding, allowing me to inspire and guide younger generations towards alternative career paths within the arts, such as mural painting. I consider myself fortunate to instill the belief that with hard work and dedication, aspiring artists can forge fulfilling careers in the creative realm.
For those interested, my online shop is accessible at www.hanwilliamsart.bigcartel.com, and you can follow Muralgarten’s exciting journey on Instagram: @muralgarten.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Discovering my passion early in life has been pivotal, but equally essential has been the persistent and consistent practice coupled with continuous research into the best creative methodologies. Authenticity plays a crucial role—avoid excessive rigidity, break the rules, and strive to be yourself, for it is your uniqueness that sets you apart. In terms of advice, as mentioned earlier, identifying your passion is paramount; once found, pursue it relentlessly and make it a disciplined practice. Patience and self-kindness are equally crucial; it took me a decade to build a space and portfolio that enabled me to transform my art into a livelihood. Embrace the journey, stay true to your creative instincts, and allow the process to unfold organically.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I have a curated list of individuals with whom I am eager to collaborate. Among them are fellow muralists; the experience of connecting with local artists last year was profoundly inspiring, revealing a sense of camaraderie I didn’t realize I was seeking. I am also keen on establishing connections within the public art realm—be it advisors, advocates, or those involved in organizing public art programs and festivals. Given my passion for public art, I am open to collaborating as a consultant with organizations that share this commitment. Additionally, I extend an invitation to building owners interested in elevating their spaces through exterior or interior murals, as this transformation can not only enhance aesthetics but also attract more business to your establishment.
Feel free to reach out to me via email or visit my website at: hanwilliamsart@gmail.com or hanwilliamsart.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hanwilliamsart.com
- Instagram: @hanwilliamsart
- Other: www.hanwilliamsart.bigcartel.com
Sydney K Andrew: www.sydneykandrewphotography.com Greg Barrett: @iliveforthelandscape Nina Long: www.jacksonandnina.com
