hanee birch : artwork

The work above was an attempt to preserve and embody some of what I experienced as a foster parent; some of those challenging, but freeing, moments where the self slips away and you're just the conduit to what's needed and what's right.

It's also a self-portrait. My name is Hanee Birch. I believe in love, beauty and the fragility of life. I am not always optimistic about where the current of humankind is heading, but I believe that to hope and to be an example is a duty we all have.

As an artist, I work in order to preserve what's real to me, as an act of love. I am primarily a sculptor, but occasionally explore drawing and painting.

I am currently seeking portrait commissions. Some of my work is below.

distant horizon

Based on a single fragmentary photograph I have from the first day we brought our once-foster-daughter home from the hospital, Distant Horizon is a closure piece for reflecting on that beginning.

A mix of many feelings that day as we contemplated the moment and the future: so much quiet, hidden hope.

small works

While I really value the process of creating a finished multi-figure statuette, I love the simplicity of a small portrait or sketch.

Swaddled Portrait: A small sketch from life during nap time.

Byoungman Jo: A half-size sketch from the Korean documentary My Love Don't Cross that Water.

Held by Two Fingers: First attempts at standing.

go down old hannah

Go Down Old Hannah is a work I'd like to return to as a larger piece some day. The story of it is mentioned at the top.

I made a life size singing portrait, as I sought to develop the work further.

portrait drawings

Here's a selection of some portrait drawings I've done over the years.