HANNELORE SMITH

Biography

Hannelore is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator based in North Norfolk, UK, whose diverse creative practice spans textile design, fine art, and educational leadership. With a focus on themes such as family, cultural heritage, migration, and the natural environment, her work often explores the concepts of mapping and the physical act of making. Hannelore’s approach is both personal and reflective, inviting audiences to connect with broader social and cultural narratives through her artistic practice.

Hannelore earned her BA (Hons) in Textile Design from Chelsea College of Art & Design in 2002, a formative experience that shaped her creative journey. Her career has included freelance design work, bespoke leather accessories, and jewellery design before focusing on her fine art practice.

In addition to her artistic career, Hannelore has a long-standing commitment to education. Since completing her teacher training in 2007, she has worked with both children and adults, fostering creativity in a variety of educational settings. In 2011, Hannelore co-founded Artpocket, an independent Art School in Norwich, where she served as Director until 2024. Under her leadership, Artpocket became a vital space for creative learning, offering a range of educational programs that bridged the gap between formal and informal art education.

Hannelore's expertise extends beyond the studio; as an Associate Artist for the Sainsbury Centre, Norwich, she has worked on a range of collaborative educational projects, encouraging public engagement with museum collections. She has also partnered with galleries, museums, festivals and cultural organisations across the UK, designing and delivering bespoke creative projects that promote engagement with the arts.

Through both her art and her teaching, Hannelore remains deeply committed to the idea that creativity is an essential tool for personal expression and community connection. Her work continues to evolve as she experiments with new materials and methods, alongside encouraging others to engage with the creative process in their own lives.