Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am working as an artist and designer in London. I recently just launched my own design platform called Silo Studio. It is a collection of my designs, both art and homewares. It focuses on hand made craft and everything has either been made by me in my studio or by skilled artisans from around the world.

I started out making my first collection of collages back in 2019. Since then I have developed my technique to focus on more intricate compositions, always sourcing my inspiration from the tropics and the colours and patterns within nature. I aim to create exaggerated versions of natural elements, particularly the plants and flowers within our landscape. I am very inspired by the African landscape, culture and craft which I like to explore within my work, both for my collages and my designs for Silo Studio.

How did you first get into art?

I have always been fascinated by making things. I come from a family of creatives and entrepreneurs so it was only natural for me to follow this same path.

 

What inspired you to create Silo Studio?

I have always wanted to be a designer. I love making and designing vibrant patterns and incorporating them into the home. I have always been interested in the idea of how an object can make you feel - if you surround yourself with things you love you are going to feel more positive and live a better life as a result. This is the ethos of my brand, urging me to design bright, positive products which I hope people want to surround themselves with.

Can you tell us about the different artisans and craftspeople you work with to create pieces for Silo Studio?

I fell in love with hand made craft and the importance of keeping this concept alive. I have three main workshops I work with (other than what I make myself in my studio). One being the family run fabric mill who print all my fabrics using traditional techniques and only working in small runs. Second, is the ceramics workshop, also family run, based in Italy. They hand throw and hand paint every single thing they make using techniques which have been passed down to them over the years. Thirdly are the women's collective of South African weavers who use age-old grass weaving techniques to make our iconic 'Ring Ring' bowls.

 

What are you working on at the moment?

I am actually in the process of launching quite a few new products which I have been working on for the last few years so I'm having a bit of a design break which is always needed. I am so excited to launch something later this week which has been in the pipeline for a few years now so keep a lookout!

 

Dream or next travel destination

I am absolutely desperate to go to Ghana but the thought is quite daunting as there is so much I love about the country and would like to get out of it. I am thinking of saving the trip and making it more of a work trip where I can go and source as well as travel.

I'm hoping to go to Senegal next year as there is so much craft which originates there. I am also desperate to stay at Ondine Saglio's iconic spotted guesthouse.

If you could own one piece of art (however unattainable!) what would it be?

I have a collection on my Instagram saved called 'Art when Rich' which is a collection of current artists work I love and dream of owning someday! There are about 100 pieces but if I had to choose one now it would be anything by Sahara Longe or Ben Crase.

 

Arty tip you’d love to share?

The most important thing I find in life is to take time out to feel inspired. This can be anything from taking a holiday to looking through a book of an artist you love. It's very easy to dismiss doing this but it keeps you fresh and ideas flowing!

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions Hannah! You can follow Silo Studio here.

View Hannah's new original collages 'Begonia', 'Hibiscus', 'Hydrangea', 'Ivy Flower', 'Lotus', 'Pomegranate', 'Pomegranate II' and 'Protea'