Hannah was part of four artists that spent a few days completely immersed in the world of Año Nuevo Island, with one goal in mind: to use their artistic skills to portray the life of the island through their work.
Her work, alongside other artists’, will be showcased at the art exhibition “The Winged Sentinels of Monterey Bay” at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center on July 7th.
“The few days I was able to spend on the island were incredible. Being completely surrounded by seabirds and pinnipeds was a dream. I will never forget looking up at the sky during sunset and seeing hundreds of brown pelicans flying over me. Much of my time on the island was spent simply observing. Watching how the seabirds interact with each other, how they interact with the sea lions and elephant seals, watching them great their mates as they return to the nest, and yell at anyone and anything that got too close to their nests. I would become so entranced by them and their sill little behaviors, that I would forget I was in the middle of a painting. I felt so honored to spend those few days in such a delicate and important space for each individual on Año Nuevo Island (even if one of them pooped on my camera).”
-Hannah
Año Nuevo Island by Hannah Kanne
What led you to do art for conservation/science purposes?
“It all started when I was little, watching Steve Irwin and his passion for nature and animals. His passion influenced me, and I hope to do the same for others through my art by highlighting the beauty and complexity of our ecosystems.”
How did you capture the island with your art?
“Focusing on the individuals of the island, learning their behaviors and personalities, noticing the things that make each species unique.”
Illustration by Hannah
How does your art relate to seabirds and their ecosystem?
“By highlighting the similarities and differences of the species of seabird on the island. Studying and showing how they each use the island as a nesting ground.”
Cormorant initial sketch by Hannah
What did you learn about natural history on the island?
“Something that really stood out to me was how closely the birds will interact with the pinnipeds. I was surprised at the boldness of the birds, collecting nesting material next to an 800-pound animal (the sea lion).”
Which seabird made the biggest impression on you and why?
“The Western Gulls left the biggest impression, not only because they were the birds I spent the most time with, but also because of the amount of personality each individual has.”
Where can you find Hannah’s work?
Find Hannah on Instagram as @kanne.studio
See more of her work and other artists at “The Winged Sentinels of Monterey Bay”. There will be food, drinks, and contests! All ages are welcome. More information here.
June 6th, 2023
Western Gull initial sketch by Hannah
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