NEWS

Artist chat – Janna van Hasselt

Last month, Christchurch-based artist Janna van Hasselt won the ZAFAA20 Premier Award with her ceramic work, Totter.
This month, like the rest of us, Janna has been at home with her family and we asked her a few questions about her new assistants and their creative process.

Can you describe what life is like in your bubble? My bubble life revolves around our two little girls and what they want to do, play, eat, watch, make and destroy. We are keeping busy by getting out in the local neighborhood and working our way through a list of arty activities. It’s chaotic at worst and cosy at best.

Has your art making changed during the lockdown? In the snatched moments I get in the studio without ‘assistants’, I am plugging away at a multitude of projects begun before lockdown. I’m favouring quick coiling or pouring sessions, and feeling hopeful that a full day of focused making isn’t too far away!

What is the most interesting thing you’ve read/ watched/encountered this past week? I thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic profile on Zina Swanson in the latest Art News magazine. I never tire of encountering random teddy assemblages and cheerful chalk drawings when out on our walks.