Tom Hansell

I like to get my hands dirty. My work grows from the rural communities where I live and work, and collaboration is an important element of my artistic process. As a result, my community has become my studio.

I am interested in combining ecological principles of interdependence with organizing strategies that build community power and cultural equity. Most of all I want my work to deeply impact the individuals and communities that I work with – creating fair and just public policies, opening peoples minds to new opportunities, or simply making people laugh and think at the same time.

“The Sunbuggy” solar panel, galvanized steel, plastic wheels, battery, voltage inverter, electrical wiring, automotive lighting, LCD video monitor 36 ̋ x 38 ̋ x 36

My body of work includes documentary video and audio about the efforts of Appalachian coalfield communities to achieve economic and environmental justice. I have also created a series of self-powered video installations that create their own electricity through sunlight and motion. I am currently developing a set of site-specific installations exploring the natural and human history of the New river – the oldest river in North America.