Artist Profiles - Hanan Sandercock

Hanan Sandercock - Multidisciplinary Creative

Cornwall to Cardiff

Hanan is a Muslim revert of Cornish heritage whose creative life has been shaped by both her roots and her faith. A lifelong lover of art, she arrived in Cardiff in the early 1990s as a young art school graduate, bringing with her a passion for making, drawing, and experimenting with different mediums. For over 10 years she has worked in a school, where she is able to engage in creative play with children, ensuring that creativity remains central to both her personal and professional life.

A Life Immersed in Art

From a young age, Hanan was drawn to art and making things by hand. Her creativity was encouraged by supportive parents, her mother would sew and create costumes for local carnivals, a tradition that left a lasting impression on her love for craft and design. At college, she chose 2D over 3D work, initially working within certain limitations, but over time embracing a more fluid and experimental approach.

During the years when her children were young, Hanan often turned to watercolour because it was quick, accessible, and easy to fit around the demands of motherhood. While this practicality shaped her medium of choice at the time, she now works across many forms and styles without confining herself. She describes herself as a “jack of all trades,” with skills in watercolour, printing, and craft- based making.

Her sketchbooks have always been a constant companion, once filled daily like a diary. Though she regrets discarding much of her early work during a more conservative period of her life, the few pieces she has kept remain treasured reminders of her journey.

Building Community and Sharing Skills

Through Instagram, Hanan has been able to connect with women from diverse backgrounds, forming a supportive network of fellow creatives. She uses the platform as both a journal and a portfolio, sharing reels that focus on her work rather than herself, because, for her, “it’s about the craft, not so much the face behind it.”

Her children are also supportive of her art, often prompting her to make signs, decorations, and creative pieces for birthdays, graduations, and community events.

Faith, Creativity, and Identity

Hanan’s conversion to Islam profoundly shaped her artistic practice. Before embracing the faith, she often drew people and animals, something she stopped after converting. She now finds inspiration in nature, particularly in drawing fruits like pomegranates and figs, as well as in Islamic art traditions. Her home reflects these passions, adorned with ancient Islamic tile designs,a constant reminder of the beauty, symmetry, and spirituality that inspire her work. Her art often carries deeper meaning, reflecting her heart, soul, and beliefs.

Future Aspirations

Hanan takes pride in creating works that are not only beautiful but also functional. Her handmade lunar calendars are a perfect example, designed to help mark Islamic months in a visually engaging and educational way. Looking ahead, she hopes to produce these calendars on a larger scale, particularly for use in schools, and to collaborate on wider community-focused creative projects.

As a convert, she is open about the challenges of navigating identity as changes in dress, diet, friendships, and even names can bring both growth and difficulty. She speaks about the lack of support for converts and how art can become a form of self-discovery.

Creative Philosophy

Hanan believes creativity is a gift from Allah and that it should be nurtured, not wasted. She sees art as something that can be found in all aspects of life, a practice that feeds both the mind and the soul. A visual learner and constant maker, she thrives on being always on the go and engaging in multiple creative practices.

She encourages fellow artists to believe in their abilities, make connections, and embrace networking as a way to grow. For her, art can sometimes feel isolating, which is why she values collaboration and the sense of community that comes from working alongside others.

Connect with Hanan:

You can find Hanan's work on:

Instagram: @hanan_made