This week’s column is on Art featuring artist Hank D. Herring who comes from a line of quilters and painters in his family. He is originally from Rose Hill, N.C. (near Wilmington). One can see his work (amongst other artists) at this month’s special SPARK exhibit at the Public Works Art Center through Oct. 30. The center has three exhibits on this: the Invitational Exhibit featuring 10 local artists who they selected to explore the theme of identity which Herring is a part of; the Community Exhibition where they accepted all works from adult artists of all experience levels; and the Youth Exhibition where they accepted all works from those under 18 years of age. The Public Works Art Center also plans to be open again on the evening of Third Thursday (Oct. 21), and will also have a book signing of “Black Music Is” with author Marcus Amaker (illustrated by Charleston artist Nathan Durfee) on Sat., Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. Herring works in various mediums; however, his wood stamps of African (Ghana) symbols are a centerpiece of what he does such as one called "Ohene Aniwa," the symbol of beauty and vigilance, protection and security. Another one is "Nkurumah Kesee," which is the symbol of greatness and superiority.
Regan: Hank, when did you become an artist?
Herring: I’d say, I’ve been an artist all my life. I have created as long as I can remember. I didn’t take it as a profession until I retired from the Marine Corps and was looking for something to occupy my time. I had studied with many gifted artisans and was creating works for family and friends who also encouraged me to try doing it as a business.
R: What or who has had a lot of influence on you in how you go about creating works of art?
H: I have always been curious about how things are put together or how they work. In my youth, growing up around family members who fabricated needed items from available resources helped me learn the use of multiple tools and to work in many mediums. I have had the opportunity to study art in many states and multiple countries with various artists and my art reflects their influences and teachings.
R: Did you go to school for art or are you largely self-taught? What do you like most about the creative process?
H: I’m largely self-taught. As a child, I read a lot and tried what I read as much as possible. School helped by providing art and classes that helped focus and broaden my choices. I like the whole creative process, but the finish is the best part, when it is all together, remembering the process and seeing the results of my efforts.
R: What are the various mediums you create with? What is your favorite piece of art you’ve made and why?
H: I use many mediums — wood, paper, metal, clay, paint and what I call “rescued materials” or found objects. We’re a throw-away society, you know — trash it, buy new. My favorite piece is “Changing of The Guard”. Most of all, the techniques I’ve learned are in it and that represents a change my life was taking since retiring from the military and starting a career in the art community.
R: Was this current exhibit on “Identity” a challenging assignment or did it come easily? Why or why not?
H: It wasn’t that easy. I meditated on my own identity first, how it came about and what it means to me or anyone else and how to put it into an art piece. I didn’t know what I was going to create, and if it would identify with who I am or if viewers could identify with it. I wanted this piece to tell a story of how we try to judge identity.
R: Do you teach art at all in terms of doing workshops?
H: I do workshops using the wooden stamps I make for batik printing. The classes produce wearable and frameable art. I find it helps the creative persons who feel they cannot draw or paint to produce amazing works. It shows we can all embellish blank mediums with the right encouragement.
R: What is next for you after this exhibit?
H: This exhibit has caused me to really think about my identity, how I want to be identified and what identifies me. I have purposely tried to create in all the mediums I’ve learned. I owe my identity to everyone I’ve met in my life — good, bad or indifferent. This is my opportunity, not to just find my identity, but to know my identity.
Mary E. Regan, columnist, is a freelance publicist with her ProPublicist.com consultancy.
Seeking new publicity clients and writing projects. Story ideas? Email: Mary@ProPublicist.com
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October 13, 2021 at 07:00PM
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Q&A with artist Hank D. Herring | Community News | postandcourier.com - Journalscene.com
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