Artist based in Union, Maine
Alanna Hernandez, Portrait of the Artist
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I grew up in Massachusetts, and my family is descended from working class Irish immigrants who came to Boston in the mid to late 1800’s. I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate college, but I did not go to art school, so I am largely self-taught. I knew I wanted to be an artist most of my life, but I started actually working towards that in my 20’s.
"Home Body", Primary, Miami Fl. Photography: Orrial Tarridas
“I like topics that deal with the unknown because where there are questions, there is room for imagination and innovation."
"Hunger", August 2023. colored pencil and acrylic on wood; 48x36in.
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
I am working on a few different things right now. One is a secret sculpture project that I can’t share too much about, but it’s inspired by research into mystics, depth psychology, and the symbolism of knots and labyrinths. I’m also working on a series of small works where I’m playing with darkness and shadow, inspired by the deep winter in Maine.
"Home Body", Primary, Miami Fl. Photography: Orrial Tarridas
"How I Survived", January 2025. Acrylic, colored pencil, and wax pastel on wood; 36x24in.
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
I read about mysticism, paranormal phenomena, cultural theory, and depth psychology. I like topics that deal with the unknown because where there are questions, there is room for imagination and innovation. There is an infinite depth and mystery within each of us, partially obscured in our subconscious, and journaling and reflecting on my dreams allows me to access that. I frequently find inspiration there. And movement of all kinds inspires me. When I move my body, I find a level of presence that doesn’t exist anywhere else for me except in the studio. I learn so much by being so present with myself, and new ideas come frequently. I also apply movement to my life by embracing new experiences, big or small, as a way to bring fresh perspectives to my thinking.
"Home Body", Primary, Miami Fl. Photography: Orrial Tarridas
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
For me, ideas start with my experience of the world. Ideas come when I read something that I can feel in my soul. Or when I have an experience with a person that makes me notice something I’ve never noticed before. Or when I am so quiet and present with myself that I can hear or feel something profound. When this happens I’ll jot down an idea or a very quick sketch in my journal. Then I will take time in the studio to draw and sketch more on that theme and hopefully land on a composition I’m excited about.
In progress, layering colored pencil
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
It starts with a sketch or a written idea. I make a bunch of free sketches on this idea and then refine it into a composition that I’m happy with. I’m looking for something that communicates a feeling close to what I’m thinking about, but that is still a little surprising or mysterious to me. I take that composition and create a color study. I use color intuitively, but each color I use has come to take on a symbolic meaning or feeling for me. I then transfer my drawing to a larger wood panel, and begin the process of layering acrylic paint, pastel, and colored pencil to create the final work. I’ve arrived at my style by years of listening to my subconscious and intuition for forms and shapes. I’ve then experimented in the studio with different materials to get the layering process that I currently use. I like having a level of comfort and familiarity with my materials, but I’m always trying to find more ways to visually express depth, softness, subtlety, opacity, and transparency. I experiment in small increments.
(Left) A color study for “Doppelganger”, 2024 (Right) Acrylic paint layer for “How I Survived”, 2025.
Many artists live by their routines, what does that look like for you?
I only adhere to the most basic routine of drinking coffee, showering, and having breakfast before I work. Rigid routines have always made me feel suffocated and itchy. I can work any time of day, and frequently switch up the layout of my studio.
Works in progress at Monson Residency, 2025
Who are your biggest influences?
Georgia O’Keeffe and Hilma af Klimt are the giants of women’s abstract art that I frequently refer to, but there are many, many more who influence and inspire me. I am also so grateful to Maeve and Alexis of Interloc Projects here in Maine for giving me my first show, and helping me take myself more seriously as an artist. And my husband, who grounds me. He is a poet, and he has also taught me to have good taste in poetry. Poetry and abstract art are cousins.
Installation view from the CMCA Biennial, Rockland ME, 2023
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
I frequently consult books on symbolism, and Anam Cara by John O’Donohue.
How will Innovate Grant contribute to your practice?
The Innovate Grant will help me learn new sculpture techniques, and buy tools and materials for my next project. It will help me as I push my practice into new conceptual and material places.
(Left) A color study for “You Know the Night”, 2024 (Right) In progress, showing layers of pencil and paint, 2024
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Everyone is an artist by the way they create words and a story and a life out of the darkness and mystery of existence.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Cultivate your inner and outer senses.
"Tether", January 2025. Acrylic, colored pencil, and wax pastel on wood; 48x36in.
Stay up to date with Alanna Hernandez
Website alannakh.com
Instagram @alannanananana