Meet ZiabyHannah, the artist behind your favourite sculptural nail art

Hey Hannah! You make incredibly intricate clay sculptures and prosthetics. What was your journey getting into such a unique art form?

That is very kind! I traditionally started out with illustration and painting, however when I looked at the skillset of artists that I admired, I realised that my heart was in it to push me to reach that standard. I was in my early 20s, in a bad relationship and studying psychology–I was full of ideas and concepts but so lost on how to execute them. I was extremely depressed at this time.

“I was in my early 20s, in a bad relationship and studying psychology–I was full of ideas and concepts but so lost on how to execute them.”

I have traditionally always put my self worth in my output and productivity levels. I was desperate to find something, find a sense of identity. I distinctly remember watching the stop motion films 'Negative Space’, a film by Tiny Inventions and the 2015 film ‘Anomalisa’ and being so inspired that I set out to learn how to sculpt. I'm so grateful I did, it has saved me many times.

I am incredibly inspired by hyperrealism, however I like it to have a twist or an edge, similar to the works of Patricia Piccinini.

Can you tell us a tiny bit about your creative process of making your sculptures?

The material I mainly use is Monster Clay and I also use Apoxie Sculpt for when I need elements to dry hard, such as with my nails. I cast all my pieces in silicone so that I have moulds of everything I have made.

As much as I hate to admit it, my creative process doesn't feel overly creative. I turn to Pinterest and find inspiration that makes me yearn so deeply that I sit at my desk and try to prove to myself that I can one day have similar talent and vision to the artists I admire. This has often seen me working long hours, day in day out, many times deeply unsatisfied because I am so focused on the end result. I am a notoriously obsessive person with ADHD and I find it hard to step away at times.

You have such an incredible artistic eye - can you tell us some of the inspirations behind your work?

I am incredibly inspired by hyperrealism, however I like it to have a twist or an edge, similar to the works of Patricia Piccinini. As said by an artist I greatly admire, Samantha Shawzin, "Hyperrealism can be very boring... like technical masturbation...". I found myself confronted with this perspective when I was deciding whether it would be wise for me to go and study fine art long term in Europe. I still wonder whether I will be truly satisfied with what I produce if I don’t.

“I want to break away from 'Instagram art' and the pattern of screaming for a viewer's attention that I fear I have fallen for.”

I am currently on the push to introduce more of a conceptual perspective into my work. I am deeply inspired by the psychology of sex as an example. I want to break away from 'Instagram art' and the pattern of screaming for a viewer's attention that I fear I have fallen for.

What's been one of your favourite opportunities you've gotten with your work?

It hasn't happened yet but this time in exactly a year I will be studying figurative sculpture in Athens for six months under the incredible Robert Bodem. I am so excited to see my capabilities expand and skillset grow. I also don't view myself as particularly adventurous so I adore that my art is pushing me out of my comfort zone.  

What would be your dream project?

To work with Isamaya Beauty and Schiaparelli!

Do you have any heroes you look up to? If so, who are they?

My local tobacconist.

If money were no object - what item(s) would you love to have?

Vintage Ann Demeulemeester, Miu Miu and also every Kiko Kostadinov piece ever made.

“[If money were no object I’d love] vintage Ann Demeulemeester, Miu Miu and also every Kiko Kostadinov piece ever made.”

What music do you have on repeat at the moment?

Daughter!

Outside of sculpture, is there something you're really into right now?

Reading all of Melissa Broder’s tweets and books over and over again.

What's your favourite film genre, and a must see movie?

Sapphic films always. A recent favourite film however was ‘Good Time’ by the Safdie brothers.

What's next on the cards for you?

I want to make larger scale works and also works that are more intricate and developed over a longer period of time - to challenge my stubborn ADHD brain.