Hannah Amidon on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Hannah Amidon shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hannah, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I just recently invested in a studio space for my art. For three years, I have been working out of a tiny apartment with my boyfriend. I have been working so incredibly hard traveling for art shows and doing everything myself, I finally got to the point where I have my own space! An investment to be able to make more art and I am so very excited!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Hannah Amidon of Hannah Amidon Art. I am a pun enthusiast who translates words and sayings into comical watercolor and acrylic paintings. I travel for art shows full time and set up, what I call, my traveling circus.
I started these puns in 2016, my senior year of high school. I then went to Savannah College of Art and Design for soccer and art. Every project I would turn into a pun and I am sure my professors thought I was crazy. I started doing juried art shows about 3 years ago and have now been to so many states. It’s a lot of work and courage to put my art and myself out there. I absolutely love what I do because I get to make people smile. Life is a lot more fun when we can laugh together.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother, Karen Libecap, is the one who has taught me the most. She is an artist herself and the greatest role model. Since starting this journey, she has been there to help through it all. She paints tiny detailed paintings about an inch and a quarter by an inch and a quarter. Now, at some of these shows I get to be next to her and that is the best full circle moment I could ask for. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Doing what I do I feel it’s easy to sit there and say screw this.
At these shows I look around and see all these amazing fine artist… and then there is me. I feel like the clown of the group. I feel like no one takes me seriously, and some people get offended. Now, I never mean to offend anyone but the amount of people who it seems I make their day… that is why this is worth it. They have awards at these shows and in three years I have not won one… until recently. I was at Laumier Sculpture Park in St. Louis and the head organizer came in my booth with a bow. I won honorable mention. This might not seem like a lot, but it meant more than the award. My booth was packed all weekend and there were so many smiles all around me, so to get my first award… I was so proud of myself.

There will always be people who tell you, you can’t. There will always be scenarios that do not work out in your favor (One time I had a tent collapse in a monsoon at 3 am). There are so many things that can make you give up, but I think the big thing to remember is why. I want to spread joy, and that is what keeps me going.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
100% yes.

I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without being who I am. I like to think everyone can see that. I am a goofy girl and it definitely shows. I am not good with words… obviously, I am awkward as can be, but most of all I want to make this crazy world a better one.
When I’m at these shows I get to meet all kinds of people and the common denominator is laughter. That is so special to me. Friends, family, they all matter to me so much and I do all of this craziness because of them. They make life good. YOU make life good. And that is me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
I had a total tap dance day recently.

I have been wanting to publish a book, “It’s A Punny World”. My first mock book was when I graduated high school. It took 9 years to FINALLY do the thing! I had sent letters to publishers and heard mostly nothing, some rejection letters. This book is my pride and joy and these publishers who probably didn’t look twice at me was not going to stop me.
I was at a point where I could invest in self publishing and I did it. I got 750 books delivered to my small apartment/studio in March of 2024 and I threw a dang party! It was the best day ever. I was surrounded by friends, family, even fans who traveled to see me (yup, that made me cry).
It was such a beautiful thing to see me talk and dream about this for so long and all my hardworking finally paid off… I did it!
I now have around 170 books left and I think its time to start working on my second one!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hannahamidonart.com
• Instagram: @hannahamidonart

Image Credits
Kara Beemer