Liv May Hann is a multimedia artist based in Penarth. She has recently launched her exhibition 'Being There' at Watlerloo Tea Rooms in Cardiff Wyndham Arcade.

Her art is largely inspired by the people and experiences that surround her. Nub News visited the exhibition and spoke to Liv about her work.

Liv summarises her most recent series: ''In recent years the cultural emphasis of supporting independent venues is prominent. The series celebrates what brings us together by illustrating the movement and vibrancy of alternative community art-spaces, personal expression and gigs in houses.''

How has your work developed and how long have you been working in that style?

Being surrounded by the people and places that have brought light to the Cardiff arts scene has become the subject of my expression through paint. It started by sketching people I met and places I wanted to remember. This developed into scenes that celebrate the movement and vibrancy of the musician, performers and artists in the local area. I've been working on this series since some time last year. The style has changed throughout as I progressed with the techniques of the medium.

Has art always been an important part of your life? When did you start?

My parents met on an art foundation course in Cardiff when it was run at Howard Garden and both went on to study fine art. I believe it was due to my nurturing in a creative environment. Having parents who would let me cover myself with paint like I was putting on a costume goes some way to explaining why I started. I've always drawn and made stuff, and people like what they're good at. There was this affinity with art because people praised me when I produced work, they said it was good so I kept doing it, and that they wished they had what I have. I don't know what that is but yes, it's an important part of my life.

What materials do you use for your paintings?

Oil paint, wood and canvas.

Who influences you artistically?

In this series Edward Hopper, as well as every artist, musician and performer I have portrayed in paint. In particular, the photographer Tom Kirby.

A lot of your paintings seem to be based on events or things that you have witnessed, how do you capture these moments in order to paint them?

Blurry photos of lights outlining the shape of the beams of a room. Sketching faces or objects that caught my eye or studies of the light or colour of a room for the mood. Something like that.

When did you decide art was going to become a career?

I didn't. Because making art is just what I do, something I don't see myself stopping that I have already undertaken much of my life. I took a foundation degree in art and design but decided not to take that any further. Having said that, I unknowingly built myself a bit of a portfolio. I've been commissioned for recipe books, t-shirt design, logos, sign making and portraits of all kinds and plan to progress with the opportunities that come my way.

What influence did Penarth and Wales have on your creativity?

I've always felt incredibly lucky to live in Penarth, the Garden by the Sea, a contrast to urban central Cardiff, where I grew up. Seeing those two different worlds affected how I see people and things. I wasn't sheltered so saw what reality was for different people. And of course we have dramatic coast lines especially in the west. I have never found trouble with this subject matter. Coming from Wales with its natural beauty has instilled a sense of freedom integral to nurturing my creativity.

How has the local community supported your work?

In so many ways. I would like to thank Lou, the head of Cardiff Arts Academy, for your supportive and encouraging words throughout foundation year; Waterloo Tea Rooms for hosting me; coffee shops Lufkin, Pontcanna and Polarity; Duke st. arcade for allowing my to put promotional material in their shop windows and to everyone who has supported my Facebook and Instagram pages @livhannart @livmayhann.

What are your future plans for your artwork?

Well soon enough my work and jewellery will be displayed at Cardiff alternative radical community art-space Gentileza. So that is where you'll see me next, but in the meantime I'm still taking commissions and posting to social media while working on building my website.

Liv Hann's work is available in Cardiff's Waterloo Tea Room until the 8th of June. All of the work displayed is available to buy as well as smaller prints which can also can be purchased from the venue. Liv will also be exhibiting her work in Penarth's own Waterloo Tea Room in June.