Hannah Reynoso Toussaint
she/they
Athens, GA, USA
Hannah is a Queer Latinx metalsmith living in Athens, Georgia where she is enrolled as an MFA student in the metalsmithing and jewelry program. She finished a post-baccalaureate in jewelry and metals in 2022 from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Her work has been exhibited nationally and and she has had the opportunity to co-curate a traveling exhibition, Everybody's Bolos that will run until 2025. Hannah spends most of her free time with her spouse, Rae, and three kitties, Rad, Zora, and Peer.
“This work is motivated by my anxious tendancy to sort and compartmentalize my many identities. Identifying as queer, multi-ethnic, and on the spectrum, I never quite seem to fit in, no matter the circumstance. By breaking down my identity into parts, I can see the entire nature of my being, and understand it better. This gives me a curiosity that is empowering, and allows me to claim my identities with pride when they had previously been used to make me feel excluded. I spend a good amount of time reflecting on this, and look up toward the clouds while doing so. The bolo format is a cheeky queer way to address these issues and reminds me of my beloved community in Texas.”
How does your work relate to the theme transformation— How does the work translate joy into strength?
"This work addresses my identity and the various ways it can be broken down. By sifting through disparate parts of my identity, I am able to see how they come together to form my being. Having a better understanding of myself through my identity enables me to move forward with intention and strength. I am able to see the full picture and use it to my advantage, celebrating the parts as a whole, and building resiliancy through radical love and acceptance. Allowing yourself compassion and grace is a difficult task, but is a sign of strength, one that takes practice and unlearning."
"Texas Sky Bolo", Copper, silver, leather, pearls, cherry wood, postcard, rutilated quartz, found chess pieces, 18" x 2.25" x .5", 2024
