Hannah White-McGinn is a multimedia artist based out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Hannah studied glass and metal sculpture at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. From a young age, she had a passion for both creating and enjoying the natural world around her. Her art focuses on using subjects from nature altered to speak on social and psychological themes.
The Process
Glassblowing is a fire art that has been around for thousands of years. Silica, Soda Ash, and Limestone are melted together, becoming the crystal clear substance we know as glass. Reaching its melting point at 2100° Fahrenheit, glass is one of the few substances that has both a natural liquid and solid state. When working with glass, the artist (known as a Gaffer) gathers the glass out of a furnace when it is the consistency of honey. As the artist works, the glass needs to constantly be in motion and continually reheated to ensure it remains malleable. Once the artist has created their work of art, the glass still needs to be placed in a kiln known as an annealer until it has become completely cool and stabilized.
Artist Statement
Glass sculpture takes full mind and body focus and, for this reason, I find it to be an extremely engaging and exciting art form. My work over the past decade has grown and changed, just as I have. When I first started blowing glass, I was nervous to take risks and push myself. Through the past few years, both my abilities and courage have increased. This has enabled my work to reach new heights. My Bonsai Trees are an expression of this growth and willingness to be vulnerable and bold when sculpting. My newest series titled “A Body of Work” takes inspiration from the human form. Inspired by classic Greek sculpture and botanical colors, A Body of Work celebrates how perfectly imperfect the human form can be.
Wild Wood Art and Design 