Hannah Jensen, a powerhouse of creativity, is an artist whose passion for the great outdoors permeates her work. She is best known for her intricately hand-carved artworks, which are inspired by her deep connection with nature. Her unique technique, developed in 2003 while studying at Auckland University of Technology, involves carving images into layers of acrylic paint. By applying numerous layers of paint to custom-made framed plyboards and carving back through them, Jensen reveals the colors beneath, creating detailed images in negative relief. This technique beautifully emphasizes the texture and tonal variations of the paint colors, creating a topographical effect that mirrors the very essence of nature she adores.
Although Jensen is a multidisciplinary artist, proficient in drawing, photography, etching, and printing, she has gained widespread recognition for her carved works. Graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Arts, majoring in printmaking, in 2004, Jensen’s discovery of paint carving during her second year of study set her on a captivating artistic journey that continues to challenge and inspire her to this day.
Throughout her career, Jensen has received notable recognition for her talent. She was nominated for a Mazda Emerging Artist award in 2004, became a finalist in the World of Wearable Arts in 2009, and created an installation for the prestigious New Zealand Fashion Week in 2012. She also exhibited her works in Venice Beach, California as part of the ‘Kiwis in LA’ exhibition in 2014. In 2018, Jensen showcased her impressive large-scale animal works in her dream show, ‘WILD.’ Now based in the South Island, she finds inspiration in her beachside pad, surrounded by the ocean and mountains, which she considers her favorite place to be when not carving.
Hannah Jensen is not only dedicated to her artistic practice but also actively involved in the community. She volunteered as an art teacher at Starship Hospital from 2010 to 2018 and now conducts her own carving workshops throughout New Zealand. Additionally, she donates her artworks to multiple charity auctions and exhibits regularly in solo and group shows, both in New Zealand and overseas. Jensen’s commitment to her craft and her impact as a full-time artist are truly commendable.
