Paintings by Hannah Emerson. Exhibit runs from Feb 13–Mar 17
ARTIST STATEMENT
Hannah prefers to use a sponge brush and tempera paint on large canvases and boards. She uses different types of lines to fill the entire surface with repetitious pattern, texture, color, shape, and direction.
Her lines start off as straight, all running in a similar direction. Then she starts varying the lengths and directions of the lines, filling the surface with contrasting intersections and blocks of color. Her paintings started taking on a more figurative and landscape-like quality. Her lines change again, first into a looping, circular pattern and then into a stippling technique that resembles reptile scales. Each painting is a different combination of these line-making techniques and she uses them to break up the space in different ways.
ARTIST BIO
Hannah Emerson is a 35-year-old female artist on the Autism Spectrum.
Hannah is non-verbal but communicates using sign language, gestures and through her art. Hannah receives residential services from CTA Community Supports and lives in West Jordan, Utah.
Hannah has always enjoyed coloring and drawing but began actively painting in 2008. Shortly after graduating from school, Hannah began attending an adult day program for people with autism and developmental disabilities known as ADAP. Hannah became the most active participant in their Creative Arts Program. It was there that Hannah was first introduced to the world of painting.
Hannah was given various materials and was challenged to choose and experiment with different mediums. Slowly, through consistent routine and positive encouragement, Hannah was able to sit down, choose her colors and paint. Hannah prefers to use flat bristle brushes and tempera paint on large canvases and boards. She is best described as a Process Artist and an Action Painter. Painting and creating her art is now the most important part of her day.
Hannah is a very prolific painter. Painting and creating her art is now the most important part of her day. In line with the nationwide movement to support people with disabilities in a more inclusive and individualized manner, Hannah now has her own art studio and produces her work in a private art studio, amongst other artists, at "The Art Factory" in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Art is changing Hannah's life; it is an avenue for her to express herself freely. Painting gives Hannah a universal voice to tell the world that she is a person full of passion, emotions and great talent.
AGE GROUP: | All Ages |
EVENT TYPE: | Arts & Creativity |
NOTE: The Main Library's Rooftop Terrace is closed for renovations.
Salt Lake City's Main Library, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie in conjunction with VCBO Architecture, opened in February 2003 and remains one of the most architecturally unique structures in Utah. This striking 240,000 square-foot structure houses more than 500,000 books and other materials, yet serves as more than just a repository of books and computers. It reflects and engages the city's imagination and aspirations. The structure embraces a public plaza, with shops and services at ground level, reading galleries above, and a 300-seat auditorium.
A multi-level reading area along the Glass Lens at the southern facade of the building looks out onto the plaza with stunning views of the city and Wasatch Mountains beyond. Spiraling fireplaces on four floors resemble a column of flame from the vantage of 200 East and 400 South. The Urban Room between the Library and the Crescent Wall is a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight and open to magnificent views.
