Artist Biography

Caitlin Hanna is a neurodivergent, queer artist based in Perth, Scotland.

At a young age Caitlin discovered art as a way to express internal struggles, during a prolonged period of mental illness. This creative drive has fuelled further studies and Caitlin’s continued artistic practice.

Caitlin studied Fine Art at the University of Cumbria, graduating in 2021 and has since worked on a variety of projects as a professional artist and practitioner. Recent projects range from aiding in research investigating the accessibility of creative courses at university, to their ongoing role as a freelance creative practitioner at a local social enterprise, supporting and enabling young people to get into the creative industries and positive creative destinations. Caitlin’s interests lie in working in the community, supporting people, and sharing the freedom creativity has given them.

Caitlin is a contemporary artist working across a variety of media. With a prime focus on the message or feeling at the centre of the artwork conveying more than the media itself, the media is selected based on what feels best for each intention. Caitlin’s creative work often features confessions, drawing direct inspiration from their own emotions and life experiences. The incorporation of text, and the idea of language as part of artistic expression is a prominent theme across Caitlin’s work.

Caitlin is open to commissions and produces a body of smaller works available to purchase {here}. They hold a studio space at WASPS in Perth and are currently preparing new work for an upcoming exhibition in May 2025.

Get in touch to discuss working together, commissioning a piece, artworks for exhibition or proposing a project.

Artists CV

Education

University of Cumbria – Fine Art BA Hons (2:1) 2021
HND Art & Design (A) 2019
HNC Art & Design (A) 2018

Exhibitions

Aytoun Hall, Auchterarder Group Exhibition - September 2023
'An Exploration of Self' Solo Exhibition concluding an Artist Residency at the University of Cumbria - February 2022
Online Degree Show - June 2021
HND end of year Exhibition, Rothes Halls, Glenrothes - June 2019

Grants and Awards

Friends of Kirkcaldy Galleries Scholarship – Kirkcaldy Gallery, June 2019

Experience

Creative Practitioner at Creative Catalyst, February 2022 – Present

Assisting in child-centred creative workshops
Creating products for markets
Assisted in Tayside Health and Arts Trust series of workshops.
Encouraging young people to further their interests and engagement within the creative industries.
Assisting with planning and preparation of art activities.
Leading creative, person-centred workshops for a diverse group of young people
Mentoring and developing trusting relationships with various young people
Management of social media accounts and content

Artist in Residence at University of Cumbria, September 2021 – February 2022

Working on my own creative practice whilst supporting and mentoring current undergraduate students. This residency was concluded with an exhibition 'An Exploration of Self' with work created during the residency.

Facilitator within ‘Step Up’ creative research project, November 2021 – July 2022

This creative research project evaluates the possibility of autistic people and people with learning disabilities being able to attain some form of creative higher education and examines the accessibility of current university creative modules. The intended outcome of this research is to report on the possibility of a course where this demographic can gain a 1st and possibly 2nd-year university education, undertaken in a tailored way i.e, possibly longer courses, person-centered, and with support throughout.

Assisting and enabling participators to broaden their creative media use
Evaluating the participators’ reactions and challenges
Submitting results for the research
Supporting participators to understand tasks and assignments
Documenting the activities within the research
Encouraging participators to expand their thought process surrounding their creative practice

Managed Public Art Commission for Fife Council, January - June 2019

Liaising with Fife Council staff as the representative for the HND year
Negotiating for and managing the carrying out of a public art commission
Creating risk assessments, taking account of health and safety regulations
Working to time constraints and deadlines
Budgeting