Introducing Hannah Kidd: New Zealand Sculptor and Artist

The first time I saw one of my sister Hannah's life-sized steel sculptures, I was struck by how something made of cold metal could feel so alive, so full of personality. That's the magic Hannah Kidd brings to her art – an ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary expressions of life and character.

In the 'About' section of my website (www.zonegraphics.biz), I mention drawing inspiration from an "extremely creative family" and promised to spotlight these humble influences. Today, I introduce you to my sister, Hannah Kidd – a sculptor and artist whose work continues to leave me in awe.

Hannah Kidd. Image courtesy of Otago Daily Times.

Hannah, Han, or affectionately named ‘Spoon’ by my other sisters (weirdly for reasons I still don’t know why, perhaps because she used to wear a fork bracelet), has, ever since I can remember, been immersed in art.

As her older sibling, I witnessed firsthand how she could disappear into her artistic process. Lying on the lounge floor, with her head down - whether she was drawing, sculpting with Femo clay, or working on any of the countless creative projects that poured out of her - you could forget about trying to get her attention. She was so super focused on what she was doing that there was absolutely no chance of a response. Of course, this remarkable concentration might occasionally have doubled as a convenient excuse to avoid doing the dishes! Hans’ focus, which remains with her to this day, is definitely a trait I've always envied.

Looking back, I don't think there was ever any possibility of Han becoming anything other than an artist. In fact, I don't believe she's ever had another job – if you can even call her passion and creativity a "job." After graduating from Otago University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (majoring in Sculpture) in 2001, she launched straight into her artistic career, beginning the journey that would lead to the Hannah we know and admire today.

I still vividly remember the overwhelming pride I felt for her first exhibition in Vienna, Austria, in 2002 – a group exhibition called "I'm Sure I've Seen That Before." That sense of pride has only grown stronger over the years. Now, you and I might think that an emerging artist might create something that’s easy to transport to Vienna. Han? She went all out and crafted a number of life-sized flamingos out of steel framing, covered in water-based fibreglass! I remember laughing at the logistics of it all, as that was not exactly the easiest thing to freight from New Zealand to Vienna! If you know Hans' work, you’ll know she is not one to shy away from big!

From those early flamingos in Vienna to her current celebrated works, Hannah's artistic journey has been marked by bold choices and an unmistakable style. Her evolution as an artist has been admirable to witness, with each new piece revealing another facet of her creative vision.

Walking through one of Hannah's exhibitions feels like entering a world where everyday subjects – animals, people, objects – are transformed into something extraordinary through her unique perspective. Her work invites you not just to look, but to feel and connect. Trust me, if you have the opportunity to experience a Hannah Kidd exhibition, you won’t be disappointed, and that's not just sisterly bias speaking! I've visited many art exhibitions where, despite the obvious talent on display, I've left feeling unmoved. I can assure you that will not be your experience here!

There are so many of Hannah's pieces that I (and many others) would love to own. If I could wave a magic wand, I'd need to add an entire gallery wing to my house! I am, however, incredibly grateful that I am in possession of one of Hans' earliest works, a piece aptly named 'Carhorse' that I've lovingly carted from home to home over the years. It's not just art to me; it's a tangible connection to my sister and a daily reminder of her talent. Whether it be group or solo exhibitions, community pieces, or private commissions, honestly, the scale of Hans' work truly impresses me. There are many works I have not personally seen, but from many, I have selected one or two of my many favourites to showcase here.

Han’s work predominantly features iron-clad steel framing, but her artistic exploration embraces many media – tapestry, taxidermy, ceramics, and more. Her subjects range from (and are by no means limited to) rugby legend lampshades to farm silos, life-sized animals of all varieties to nuanced studies of human figures, Christmas decorations to ceramic pots covered in provoking imagery, including Putin. What unites this diverse body of work is how each piece evokes genuine emotion and creates meaningful dialogue. Standing beside one of her larger-than-life animal sculptures, you can't help but feel a connection to both the creature represented and the artist who brought it to life.

What makes Hannah truly special goes beyond her artistic talent. She possesses an inquisitive mind and genuine fascination with the world around her. This curiosity, combined with her wit, humour, integrity, and humility, infuses her art with authentic character. Her gusto and no-nonsense approach to life – somehow perfectly balanced with warmth and an unguarded personality – all shine through in her creations. These qualities make Han someone I personally find inspirational and revere, and work as welcome reminders for me to stay true to my own personal creative endeavours.

To view Han’s work, visit her website at www.hannahkidd.co.nz or follow her workshop life on Instagram at www.instagram.com/workshoplife/. And don’t forget… if you ever have the opportunity to see Han’s work in person, don't hesitate – you'll walk away with a sense of having glimpsed the world through the eyes of a truly original creative.