Hanna Marie Dean Wright, a self-taught folk artist from Keavy, Kentucky, is making waves in the art world with her vibrant and emotionally charged creations. Born on April 15, 1993, in Barbourville, Kentucky, Hanna draws inspiration from her rural upbringing, her experiences as a special education teacher, and her personal journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and ADHD. This unique blend of life experiences shapes her art, allowing her to create pieces that resonate deeply with viewers.
Hanna’s creative process is an exploration of intuition and emotion. She begins with the eyes, allowing her instincts to guide her as she draws lines and adds color to form abstract figures. The result is a collection of expressional figures that flow together in a way that invites introspection and connection. Her hope is that viewers will engage with her artwork on a personal level, reflecting on their own emotions and finding relatable themes within her expressive pieces.
With over 2,000 works on paper and more than 400 paintings of various sizes, Hanna’s collection is a testament to her dedication and passion for art. She often works on paper, canvas, wood, and reclaimed scrap materials, with a particular fondness for drawing her expressive “Starmen” and painting abstract faces on reclaimed wooden panels. Her bold lines and bright colors create a striking visual language that captures the essence of human emotion.
Hanna’s art has gained significant popularity since 2015, reaching audiences around the globe. Her work has been featured in galleries from Australia to New Mexico, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences through her art. Influenced by her beloved mamaw, Geraldine Scalf, a fellow folk artist, Hanna continues to honor her roots while forging her own path in the art community.
“My artwork addresses the mute expression and range of heartfelt emotions experienced by the human race,” Hanna explains. “Art is something people should be able to relate to. It is a visceral experience that can be accessed by all, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, or identity.”
Through her art, Hanna Wright invites viewers to explore their own emotions and find solace in the shared human experience. Her work not only reflects her personal journey but also serves as a bridge connecting people from different backgrounds and walks of life.
For those interested in exploring Hanna’s artistry further, her work can be found on her Pinterest page and on Instagram under the handle @AppalachianScribble. In a world where art often speaks louder than words, Hanna Wright’s creations offer a heartfelt invitation to connect, reflect, and feel.
Photo credits: All images are from the artist’s archive.
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