Today we’d like to introduce you to David Hanna.
David, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My path to opening my own art studio definitely was not a straight line. After graduation from the University of Maryland with an Architectural Degree I came back home to New Hampshire and ended up joining the local volunteer fire department. I fell in love with this type of hands-on physical work and a sense of serving my community. In fact I loved it so much I pursued a career as a full time firefighter and was ultimately hired by the City of Dover, NH in 1994. I am still there today having risen to the rank of Captain. In 1995 I started also working in the field of architecture part-time on my days off, in my mind, I had the best of both worlds! In 2015 I decided to leave architecture and open my own art studio and pursue my passion of both woodworking and art, combining the two into a unique blend of functional art. I enjoy the challenge of refurbishing older pieces of furniture and adding my unique art style to give it a one of a kind character all its own. No two pieces are ever the same and the clients really enjoy the uniqueness and personal feel that each pieces has to them.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have been very fortunate since opening Artworks Studios but I also feel through hard work I have created a great deal of my own successes as well. I was able to find affordable studio space in an old refurbished mill which allowed me to have a dedicated space to focus and explore my art and woodworking passions. Through word of mouth, social media, and a feature story on NH Chronicle TV news magazine I have had a steady stream of clients and commissioned works for several years now. Learning the “ins and outs” of the social media world has been a challenge for me but fortunately I have my 15 year old daughter Caroline who helps me along the way! In three short years I have gone from one simple project for a friend to having a list of clients and an approximately 4 to 6 month waitlist.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Artworks Studios has been in business for over 3 years now and we specialize in creating unique one of a kind beautiful designs on old furniture as well as new furniture. A typical project involves taking an older sometimes discarded piece of furniture, repairing and upgrading it with a modern fresh often abstract design creating a unique one of a kind piece of functional art for the home or office. We are a full woodworking shop and art studio so we build new furniture as well as repair old furniture. My work has ranged from abstract Zentangle designs on desks to realistic drawings on coffee tables and everything else in between. There is no other company or person out there that I am aware of that combines both woodworking and artwork in one format to create anything similar to what we are doing. Each piece is unique and one of a kind, no two pieces are ever the same. I particular enjoy the challenge of using old, often discarded furniture, salvaging the best parts and then giving it new life through creative artwork and woodworking restoration. Recently, we have also started entering the world of producing live edge furniture. This has proven to be another great outlet for exhibiting creativity and one of a kind works of art!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The greater Boston area as well as the NH and Maine Seacoast area where we are located is a wonderful area for local artists. There are many opportunities to display art in local shops and galleries. There is also many old mills that cater to small artist and artisans with affordable studio space. Surrounding myself with other artists is inspirational and helps get the creative juices flowing each day. Having been born and raised in NH there is no other place I would want to be.
Contact Info:
- Address: Artworks Studios
3 Front Street, Lower Mill
Rollinsford NH - Website: www.dhartworks.com
- Phone: 603-231-1495
- Email: davehanna.artworks@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhartworks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DHArtworksstudio/
Image Credit:
David Hanna
Greg West
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