"Even what appear to be simple circus tricks can take years to master and require the coordinated engagement of every muscle. When drawing my subjects, I build them up slowly one small line at a time, much like one develops any difficult skill."

Hanna Mandelbaum (Skye Curious)

Hanna is a Brooklyn-based artist, trapeze clown (performing as Skye Curious) and co-founder of Evermore Pet Food.

About

I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but circus entered my life 7 years ago. I have a pair of angora rabbits to thank for my love affair with trapeze. What started as barter, bunny sitting for lessons, grew over time to be as much of a practice for me as visual arts–especially since I had lost my painting studio in 2011. In January of 2015, a shoulder injury forced a brief hiatus from training. To overcome the frustration of being temporarily grounded, decided to engage with circus through art. What began as a meditative self portrait has grown into a series with endless possibility.

Subjects

I started this series drawing people I know; friends, teachers, New York perfomers and people I've met on my travels. I use photographs, of which there is an abundance on social media, for reference. I am always looking for new people to draw. If you are interested in becoming a subject for the series please contact me here.

Sales and Commissions

All works are for sale. I will be setting up an online store for both originals and prints shortly. In the meantime please contact me for more details. I am also available for affordable commissions and will happily draw circus performers, athletes, dancers, movers, shakers and magic makers.