Conversations with Blessing Hancock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Blessing Hancock

Hi Blessing, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Seattle and raised in Tucson. I received both my Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona.

I was 31 in 2008 when the national economy crashed. I was working as a landscape architect but then got laid off, along with half the office. I had just read a book about public art which aligned with my love for sculpture and landscape architecture. I decided to start my studio, Skyrim Studio, and I’ve been creating art ever since!

I specialize in site-specific, large-scale, illuminated sculptures for public spaces. I’ve created more than 60 pieces which can be found around the world, from Arizona to China.

My passion is community engagement so that is at the heart of my work. Community offers a sense of belonging and acceptance in the greater world outside of oneself, so I do a lot of community outreach for my pieces. I want the pieces I create to reflect the place where they will be. For instance, last year I unveiled my largest piece to date, “Loqui,” a three-story sculpture in Nashville, Tenn. It featured words from more than 400 Nashville residents, ranging in age from 5 to 85.

I have also created a new piece, “Papel Picado,” which was commissioned for 1st and Lincoln Station as part of the Valley Metro South Central Extension Light Rail Project. It will be officially unveiled later this year.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One thing I’ve always found challenging is making personal connections. Through art, though, I’m able to bridge this gap. Art helps me find a healthy connection to the community, and improves my mental health and sense of wellbeing.

I also prefer a quiet public life. I am often asked to travel and speak at dedications and large events for my pieces, this gives me an opportunity to convey my intent for the piece, speak about inclusivity, and thank the public for their engagement.

Of course losing my job in 2008 was an obstacle but it led me to create my studio. So even with challenges I’ve faced, they have always led to something positive.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known for creating large, site-specific sculptures that reflect the vibrant communities they inhabit. People also know my commitment to community. It’s important for me to tap into the place and the people who are going to be visiting the work, so I often carry out robust community engagement programs which is something not all public artists do. I am proud my works truly speak to the communities they’re created for and they give community members a chance to be heard.

I am also female which is something that sets me apart in a majority-male space. People often assume my large, steel sculptures are created by men and they’re surprised to learn I am the person behind it. I like breaking stereotypes.

What makes you happy?
Many of my pieces are created for public spaces and I love seeing my art become gathering places and spaces for people to feel heard.

One of my pieces, “Unum,” is based in the Old Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa, Calif. I named it Unum, which is Latin for “oneness or together,” to emphasize innovation, diversity, and engagement as leading values of Santa Rosa.

“Unum” has become a place for the community to gather in unity, such as a vigil hosted in 2023 to remember victims of police brutality.

Seeing a community take ownership of a sculpture and regularly tend to it and care for it, thrills me. It also highlights what appears to be a growing need for more inclusive and safe spaces within our urban environments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blessinghancock.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessinghancock/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blessing-hancock-2b031334/