Gina Hankin

I’m a Southbourne-based artist with a lifelong passion for drawing people and animals. From a young age, I was always doodling, and this curiosity has remained central to my work. I studied Illustration at Portsmouth University (BA Hons) over ten years ago, and after a long pause for personal reasons, I’ve now rediscovered my creative voice and feel confident sharing my work again. Returning to art has felt like a personal rebirth, reigniting my enthusiasm and drive.

My art is rooted in observation, capturing moments of life through people watching, nature, and time spent outdoors. I explore my local surroundings and journeys further afield, often travelling by train with a sketchbook to record experiences. Working mainly in mixed media, I enjoy creating texture, movement, and life on canvas, paper, and clay, sometimes incorporating found objects with personal or symbolic relevance.

I’m proud to be an ambassador for Pallant House Gallery’s Community Art Project, which has supported my journey and given me the confidence to exhibit and sell work once more. I also contributed to the Madge Turner Flag Project, a collaborative celebration of women’s history and creativity, soon to be displayed at the Novium Museum.

Creativity is a vital part of who I am. I’m overjoyed to once again immerse myself in my passion and share my experiences and narratives through my artwork. Art for me is connection, storytelling, and shared experience, and this renewed drive inspires me to produce new work and share it through the art trail, inviting viewers to see the world through my eyes.