Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanna Gundrum.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been making art since I was a small child. I spent my weekends dreaming up new ways to combine pipe cleaners, googley eyes and puffy paint (and to be honest, not much has changed). I continued my creative pursuits as an adult with a degree in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I focused on drawing and screen printing. While studying there and in the years that followed, I worked as an artist mentor to adults with developmental disabilities and developed a love for community art collaborations and facilitation. While working as a mentor and a nanny and every other day job under the sun, I have consistently spent every spare evening and weekend honing in on my own artistic voice. Today, I find myself most interested in illustration, crafting and large scale painting/murals/public art. While I have grown to develop my own unique aesthetic, I am always exploring and growing as an artist and chose not to limit myself to any one medium or artistic style.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey, as with most creatives has not been a smooth, paved road. I have been extremely privileged in life to have a loving and supportive family and friends that have encouraged my pursuits and helped me along the way. One of my greatest struggles has been overcoming my own self-doubt and self-imposed barriers. As someone who has struggled with chronic anxiety nearly all of my life, finding ways to cope with and overcome mental health barriers has been crucial to my success and happiness as an artist. My advice to other artists (and other humans in general) is to own all parts of yourself, with confidence- even and especially the messy parts. I find that talking about my mental health helps me to take ownership over my experience and de-stigmatize struggles that myself and many other people face! “Start where you are, use what you have, so what you can” is a mantra that helps me to stay focused on achieving goals that seem too big or daunting.
What should we know about Little House Ink? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I don’t specialize in any one thing, rather I am constantly exploring new creative mediums and ideas. That also happens to be something I am most proud of. I definitely don’t shy away from learning something new and diving headfirst into projects that excite me! With that being said, I have spent the most time developing my illustration and drawing skills and have recently dedicated most of my time to painting murals. I think my willingness to experiment sets me apart, as well as a recognizable aesthetic that I have worked to develop over years of creating.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I feel that a lack of respect for or trust in women’s capabilities and leadership is hugely detrimental to female leadership.
Contact Info:
- Email: hrgundrum@gmail.com
- Instagram: @littlehouseink
Image Credit:
Hanna Gundrum
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