Interview With A Pixel Artist Part 3 - Linda Hansen

#selfie #wokeuplikethis

Who are you? Where are you based?

I’ve been a grown up for a very long time, but I’m still a kid at heart.  I’m very fortunate to be able to live in the Southern Utah Desert for the winter months, and the beautiful forests of Arizona for the summer months.

When and why did you first start making your art?

I enjoyed working with Perler/Artkal Beads for many years, but I was thinking about quitting the hobby as I didn’t have any projects to work on.  I had already done portraits of everyone in our family and some Holiday projects and didn’t really have a need for anything else.  Then I noticed Robin Gavie’s work (@skapamedparlor).  I was fascinated by the way he used his bead creations in nature, and the amazing photos he took of them. I knew at that moment I wanted to do something similar.  About that time, the Pandemic hit.  Everyone was so depressed, and stuck at home, and I wanted to do something that would cheer them up.  That’s where it all began, and continues to this day.  My goal is to make others smile when they see my art. 

I don’t take myself too seriously, but I am serious about the quality of my art.

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What inspires your artwork?

I’m inspired by everything I see!  Any time I see something fun or interesting, I try to think how I can make it in Beads.  I love all things Disney, as well as movies, TV shows, video games and commercials.   I pretty much work on my projects daily, and if I’m not beading, I’m trying to think of new ideas.  My goal is to make someone smile, jog a childhood memory, or merely take their mind off the depressing things happening in the world.  

I try to be as original as possible.  90% of my work is my own design, but sometimes I enjoy following someone else’s pattern. 


What's the biggest piece you've ever made? 

This beast of a project is 3 feet x 4 feet, and it almost killed me...I think I’ll stick to the smaller ones in the future.  I worked on it on and off for a week.  

What is your art workspace like?

Because I have to move it frequently, I can use any large table, and my Bead collection is on a cart with wheels.  


Can you talk us through your creative process? How you go about planning and creating a piece?

I have a list of so many ideas of things I want to make.  The problem is coming up with a clever way to photo them.  Once I figure out the presentation, I get excited to make the project. 

I tend to embarrass myself and my family when creating my posts and I’m usually sitting or lying on the  ground trying to get the perfect shot.  They’ve had to eat out with a ninja turtle, and have witnessed me laying on the road with my head in the gutter among other things.

Have you had any art-related disasters?

Who hasn’t?  


Do you have a dream project you'd love to make, but just can't justify yet?

Most of my dream projects are just too big.  I grew up going to Disneyland often and would love to do a design of each ride....maybe I can figure out how to do that in the future.  I did do two projects related to the Haunted Mansion that I’m pretty proud of.

What was your most recent project?

My most recent project is a Halloween themed one that I will be posting in October. 


What are your favourite experiences you've had as a result of your art?

I would be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy reading the comments on Instagram.  The worldwide beading community is really awesome.  People are so kind, and it’s so fun to see what they create and develop a friendship and mutual respect for each other’s art.  Even though I do it to make others smile, it has certainly brought a smile to my face too.  

Do you have any projects in progress or in the pipeline right now?

Always!  I have about 40 projects done that I haven’t posted yet, and many more ideas in the works. 


Do you sell your art? If so, how can people find it?

I usually donate my work to school teachers, friends, or family.


How can people find you online? Drop your social media handles, websites etc...
All of my work is on Instagram.com/lindasusanhansen.  I also post in the Perler Bead Facebook group.