about me!

howdy!! i’m hannah velasco

but i also go by hanny (hence “art by hanny,” although i am aware the the user is “hanxny”… “hanny” was taken ☹) i’m a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in san bernardino county, southern california.

as of Spring 2025, i hold an Associate of Arts in Studio Arts degree from Crafton Hills College, and this fall i’ll begin the journey in pursing my Bachelor’s in Studio Arts at California State University - San Bernardino.

by day, im the Administrative and Program Assistant at Arts Connection, a nonprofit serving San Bernardino County. my path with them begans as a Community Teaching Artist in their program Arts Avenue, where my student’s newfound passion inspired me to go back to school. Arts Connection, my students, and professors at CHC helped me realize the beauty and importance of how the arts can transform communities. art is power and i plan to use that power as a community college professor to give back to the places that shaped me.

my art journey has been long, but beautiful. from watching Bob Ross teach me the joy of painting, to doubting i could sustain a living as an artist; from understanding that i don’t need to create art to impress people, to meeting fellow artists and being inspired by their artwork, i wouldn’t change a thing.

inspiration shows up for me in many ways: through music, moments shared with friends and family, artworks by artists like Artemisia Gentileschi, Fransisco Goya, or Diego Velázquez, local artists/creators, nature, and whatever i’m going through at the time. On the VERY rare occasion i write poetry that i like to create visuals for.

my studio life <3

in my studio (more like a room-io), i work with different mediums which depends on my mood. i love working with paint, charcoal, and printmaking, a mess is ALWAYS accompanied with the process (ink-stained hands are a common occurrence >-<). i usually have music playing in the background; movie scores are my go to (check out my playlist), or whatever gets me into that creative headspace. i also watch a lot of tv shows while i’m creating if i don’t wanna listen to music. right now i’m watching Star Wars the Clone Wars (i’m on season 6, in case your wondering). my studio isn’t always tidy, but it’s full of energy, color, and a cup (or 2) of coffee.

on my free time, i’m usually at AMC Theaters with popcorn, eating out with friends (theres more laughing than eating though) or sleeping in which is a luxury i fully embrace, ESPECIALLY after a long night of making art. i also love vending at local art markets. it’s a joy to meet new people and artists, talk about art, and just be surrounded by community. it’s one of my favorite ways to stay inspired.

interested in working together?

feel free to send me an email for custom work or general questions at: artbyhanxny@gmail.com

say hi to my room-io assistant, milo!

milo is normally playing outside or sleeping on my bed, but every now and then he gets curious on what i’m creating and either sits on my desk or my lap while i create. he’s also a menace and has spilled MANY paint water cups, but i still love him loads! <3