Hannah Bender is a painter and printmaker based in Houston, TX. 

Photography by Joseph Bui
Photography by Gandy Noble

my practice encompasses a wide range of skills, processes, tools, and materials; I’m predominately a painter and printmaker, however, I often use methods of carpentry, sewing, design, and illustration within my work. interested in art-making from a perspective of science, mechanics, and the gender bias contained within those subjects, I approach my work thinking about the properties of my materials and their potential, physically and conceptually.

how can outside variables, such as time, force, gravity, etc. affect the effect of the visual image? what is the sensory experience like when the physical properties of a material are changed? when is pressure too much, and when is it just enough? creating becomes a tangible experimentation with the real world.

the contemporary digital environment and the mode at which many of the systems we use operate at remove the maximum amount of human influence, resulting in a sterilization of our ability to think or act. practicing printmaking has been my form of resistance; a reminder of my unyielding grit and determination to keep working the hard way, with my whole body and mind. because the medium forces the practitioner to stay mentally sharp for quality prints, it has given me confidence to do scary things, such as using heavy machinery and power tools, while preventing the environmental and physical complacency that can arise with a reliance on digital tools.

the democratic quality of printmaking and the history of the medium plays an important part in how I operate in the studio. having the ability to create multiples allows for a wider audience reach; prints are generally cheaper, thus affordability of artwork becomes possible for those directly in my community, which gives more opportunity for people to actually own and appreciate art.

I print to, quite literally, stay in touch.

with myself, the world, and my community.

curriculum vitae

  • Master of Fine Arts, Painting

    University of Houston, Houston, TX

    2025

    Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

    University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR

    2022

  • Print Shop Manager

    Red Bird Press, Houston, TX

    Sept 2025 - Current

    Adjunct Faculty, Printmaking

    University of Houston, Houston, TX

    Aug 2025 - Current

    Gallery Manager

    The Lanecia A. Rouse Gallery, Houston, TX

    Oct 2023 - Current

    Gallery Preparator

    Lawndale Art Center, Houston, TX

    July 2023 - Current

    Artist in Residence

    Kala Art Institute, Berkeley, CA

    Aug 4 - 15, 2025

    Graduate Teaching Fellow

    University of Houston, Houston TX

    Aug 2023 - May 2025

    Studio Assistant

    Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME

    Aug 2024

    Gallery Preparator

    Blaffer Art Museum, Houston, TX

    Jan 2023 - June 2024

    Studio Assistant

    Taylor Smalls, Oakland, CA

    May 2022 - July 2022

  • In The Nave: New Versions in This World, Holy Family HTX & The LAR Gallery, Houston, TX

    group fundraising exhibition, Oct 19, 2025

    Her Voice, Her Vision, Soundwaves Gallery, Lockhart, TX

    group fundraising exhibition, curator: Makenna Hatter-Paxton, Oct 10 - Dec 2, 2025

    Untitled Art Fair, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

    Lawndale Art Center booth & UH School of Art booth, Sept 18 - 20, 2025

    47th Annual MFA Thesis Exhibition, Blaffer Art Museum, Houston, TX

    group exhibition, Mar 21 - Apr 20, 2025

    Decision ‘24, Charles Adams Gallery, Lubbock, TX

    group exhibition, juror: Brandon Zech, Nov 1 - Dec 2, 2024

    #NEWVISIONS2024, Texas Photographic Society

    online group exhibition, juror: Keily Anderson-Staley, opened Apr 19, 2024

    flammable, Elgin Street Studios, Houston, TX

    solo exhibition, Mar 21 - Apr 20, 2024

    By Hand: Alternative Processes, Center for Contemporary Arts, Abilene, TX

    group exhibition, juror: Christine Anderson, Dec 7, 2023 - Feb 3, 2024

    The Big Show, Lawndale Art Center, Houston, TX

    group exhibition, juror: Dr. Kanitra Fletcher, June 1 - Aug 12, 2023

    UCA Lactation Suites, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR

    permanent duo exhibition with Lindsey (Witting) Barnum, opened Feb 13, 2023

    BA/BFA Exhibiton, Baum Gallery, Conway, AR

    group exhibition, jurors: UCA Art + Design Faculty, Apr 7 - 18, 2023

    Black, White, and Shades of Gray, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA

    group exhibition, juror: Harry Frank, June 19 - July 25, 2021

  • Nancy Luton Printmaking Education Grant, PrintMatters, Oct 2024

    Outstanding Student in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, faculty nomination + application, University of Central Arkansas, May 2022

    Bear C.L.A.W.S. (Celebrating the Loftly Achievements of our Wonderful Students) Award, faculty nomination, University of Central Arkansas, Feb 2022

q & a

  • All of my work is for sale unless otherwise noted. Pricing is available upon request. Additionally, some of my prints may be purchased at Red Bird Press. Please email hannahpaintsalot@gmail.com or fill out the contact form for inquiries.

    Payment plans available

  • I do accept commissions on a case-by-case basis. Currently, I'm only open to projects that allow artistic freedom and situate well with my style. I have produced prints for artists in the past and am open to more print projects with other artists or commissioned stationery.

  • Let’s chat! I work and print at Red Bird Press along with my private studio. If you’re interested in a studio visit, reach out through the contact form or email me at hannahpaintsalot@gmail.com to schedule a time to meet.

  • Connect with me! I share my practice predominately through Instagram @hannahpaintsalot. Additionally, you may see my face from time to time on Red Bird Press’s social media, @redbirdpress.htx.