Carved from colour

NZ House & Garden, Resene / Colour expert

Hannah Jensen reveals the magic within her art.

Christchurch artist Hannah Jensen has developed a distinctive style, creating striking works by combining Resene paint and carving.

Tell us about your work?

I have been carving into Resene paint since 2003 after a happy accident while experimenting at university. I layer boards with 40 to 70 coats of Resene Lumbersider and carve back through the layers to reveal the colours underneath. It is textural and topographical and an absolute pleasure to carve works to hang in homes all around the world.

How did you became an artist?

I always wanted to be an artist, I love working with my hands and was inspired by watching my mum work with clay when growing up. I didn’t imagine being a paint carver but using the time at university to experiment was the greatest gift and carving into paint is what came of that. For the past 18 years, I have continued challenging myself within this technique and continue to create with joy from my now Christchurch studio. I now also really enjoying teaching my unique technique.

What do you love about working with colour?

I adore being able to bring an idea to life. Whether using a monochromatic palette or a lush bright palette, Resene provides an incredible range. I still enjoy mixing colours if I want any slight variations. The greatest bonus for me that came out of lockdown last year was choosing to put commissions aside and dive into a large floral work Chrysanthemums and Peonies (above). Using a bold palette of Resene Encore, Resene Rapture and Resene Glorious under topcoats of Resene Bastille made for a wonderful lush effect.