Artist in Residence

HANNAH MCDONALD

Hannah McDonald is a published author/illustrator currently taking part in a year-long residency programme with us here at The Horsebridge.

Working mostly with ink and watercolour paints to create stories and artwork inspired by nature. Her first book, The Book of Moons and Seasons, came out last year, and consists of a collection of small comics, seasonal folklore and illustrated moments telling the tale of the passing seasons and moon calendar throughout the year.

We have the pleasure of stocking Hannah's prints and cards in our shop and are really excited to support Hannah at the centre with this first Horsebridge residency. As a resident in Amsterdam currently, Hannah is making four trips to Whitstable to capture the seasons, working on the project from Amsterdam in between and culminating in an exhibition at the end of the year. Throughout the residency Hannah will be writing and sharing images of her progress, giving you the opportunity to share and engage in the experience, read along here, follow Hannah on instagram and we'll also keep you posted on our socials too.

portrait of artist Hannah McDonald

All photos by Hannah McDonald

In Conversation with: Hannah McDonald

In Conversation with: Hannah McDonald

During the most recent Artist in Residence visit in October, Illustrator Hannah McDonald took the time to talk with our Creative Assistant Gemmie about how the residency has benefited her practice, her fascination with myths and legends and her love of Whitstable.
Hannah McDonald's second residency visit

Hannah McDonald's second residency visit

My second residency visit was at the beginning of March and the days were now starting to get longer. Although there were still grey moments of rain and cold, the light gave a hint to the new season on its way and I was very happy to once again be back in Whitstable, working from The Horsebridge.
First residency visit

First residency visit

I have been in love with Whitstable ever since I first visited many years ago. To me it has the perfect balance of history and creativity, calm and bustle, stormy skies and cosy corners. I have many treasured memories attached to this place, so much so, one of the comics in my book was inspired by my visits here.