In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Hannah Jensen Fox, a long-standing O-Studio Christchurch regular at our 6am yoga classes. Hannah, an innovative artist known for her unique paint carving technique, shared her inspiring journey of blending art, nature, and motherhood with us. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation.
The Power of Simplifying Life
Hannah believes in the beauty of simplicity. Early in the conversation, she shared how stripping life back to basics has enriched her connections and creativity. "We don't have a TV" she revealed. She has found coming back to basics reduces distractions and makes more time for meaningful connections. This minimalist approach not only frees up time but also allows Hannah to immerse herself fully in nature, her relationships and her art.
Balancing Motherhood and Creativity
Being an artist and a mother is no small feat, but for Hannah, it’s a dream come true.
"I get to have both which is magical because it took a long time to get there for us" she said,
Highlighting the balance of her passion for art with the demands of parenthood. The presence of her daughter has brought a new rhythm to her life. "I still believe in hard work and I still work crazily hard now when I have the time but there's this sense of the ball shifting".
Creative Outlet
Hannah developed a distinctive technique called paint carving, which involves layering up to 40 to 80 coats of paint and then intricately carving into them. "It’s a really beautiful, slow process. Meditative, you'd say" she explained. This method not only sets her work apart but also provides a therapeutic outlet for her creativity.
Hannah is also passionate about sharing her knowledge. She has conducted many workshops, teaching her technique. "I've probably done 18 workshops around New Zealand and I'd love to travel and do more," she mentioned.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Parenting, as Hannah candidly discussed, comes with its own set of challenges.
"I suppose with parenting, it's definitely a rollercoaster but you somehow have to keep yourself together but then you don't right? Sometimes you don't keep yourself together and you can't always be that perfect kind of human. Sometimes shit just hits the fan"
Despite the intensity and pressure of motherhood, Hannah finds joy and growth in each stage. "It gets easier and every mum will say it gets easier. You have to almost go through this hard route to get that badge".
Exploring Outdoors
One of the most inspiring aspects of Hannah’s story is her love for early mornings and nature. She often starts her day by chasing the sunrise, creating the life she wants to live and finding peace in these moments. "Some people aren't morning people, but I'm a morning person and I really like making the most of it" she said.
Even with the challenges of adding a baby into her routine, she continues to cherish these sunrise adventures. "I think there's lots of excuses, people go, you can't, and I'm like, well just added a baby into the mix and damn, I've seen a lot of sunrises with my child," she shared.
Hannah Jensen's journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and simplicity. Her ability to balance motherhood, creativity, and close connections offers valuable insights and inspiration.
For a deeper dive into her story listen to the full episode with Hannah Jensen Fox here.
