Interviewing Hannah Swingler 07.02.2013

(Extended notes from interview with Hannah Swingler by Alice O'Rourke and Rebecca Fellows) 

"What are the ideas behind your work?"

Hannah explained that her idea arose from the process of commuting from Tamworth to Birmingham everyday. She would listen in to conversations and, from this, took inspiration to create her work. Her work implies every day encounters; those that are brief and those that have the possibility to completely change your life. Hannah stated that these fleeting moments that hold no significance are what intrigue her most. Hannah depicts this idea through representation of framed discarded photographs hung on the wall. Amongst the photographs are phrases that we often think in our heads but do not say out loud. These are handstitched which adds a personal touch to the piece. Although not as literal, there is clear relationship between fleeting moments with Hannah's and Dale's work.

"How would you like the work to be exhibited?"

Hannah explained that she felt the framed photographs and phrases were more successful than the installation piece placed directly underneath. Becky and I agreed with this, as Dale's work will require floor space and so the installation may interference . Hannah encouraged us to explore different ways of hanging the framed photographs with suggestions of placing them on the floor or very high up on the walls. This is something to consider when planning the layout of our show.

As the interview that took place was brief, I feel that we should devise a set of questions that will help us gain more of an insight to Hannah's artistic background and preferences. Does anybody have any questions they feel are necessary to ask Hannah about her work?

-Alice O'Rourke