The SCC chatted with Hanna, one of three artists in our current Lunar Lore exhibition, about her process, inspiration, and more.
What inspired you all to choose the moon as a central theme for this exhibition?
Zoë was searching for artists creating works based on the theme of the moon, and I was honored to be selected as one of them. Since Zoë was responsible for curating the exhibition, I didn’t know exactly how it would come together until it began. However, I feel that the works resonated with each other and came together very well to create a beautiful display.
Can you discuss the collaborative process between the three of you? How did you navigate your individual styles and visions to create a cohesive exhibition?
Since Zoë was the curator of this exhibition, I didn’t know the exact shape it would take until it began. That said, I feel that each piece naturally harmonized and unfolded as a unified display.
What does the moon symbolize for you personally, and how does that influence your work in this exhibition?
When I first moved from Japan to Saskatchewan, I was amazed at how much larger the moon appeared compared to what I had seen in Tokyo. It’s said that the moon appears larger during a supermoon when it’s closer to Earth, but the moon in the vast “BIG SKY” of Saskatchewan feels so much larger than the one in the night sky of Tokyo, lit by city lights. This feeling still fascinates me.
The moon is often described as a symbol of femininity, but recently I’ve started questioning whether the moon truly represents femininity. I find myself wondering more and more if concepts like femininity and masculinity are, in fact, just human-made constructs.
How does your respective medium contribute to the overall theme of cyclicality and lunar phases?
The two works created by hand-stitching, a full moon and crescent moon on wool felt with black thread, represent the essence of the moon, stripping away everything unnecessary to focus on what remains. These works are very simple, and while they may not directly contribute to themes of cycles or lunar phases, I wanted to convey the idea of the moon always being present by Earth’s side—a universal presence. I think the message I wanted to express was the moon’s quiet, enduring existence.
Can you elaborate on how you interpret themes of cyclicality and time in your artwork and how these themes resonate with the concept of the moon?
The lunar cycle teaches us about the natural flow and balance of life. The new moon, or crescent moon, symbolizes new beginnings and potential, a time when fresh energy is born. The full moon represents completion and culmination, the moment when things reach their peak. Through the moon’s cycle, I feel that all living beings are born and move toward death. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, with every joy comes challenge, yet each experience weaves into the fabric of our growth. The balance between these opposites—growth and decay, fullness and emptiness—is a universal truth revealed by the moon. This continuous process of change is reflected in our own lives. Everything is in constant flux, and nothing stays the same. When I consider this, the concept of time itself seems to fade away. At the same time, I feel that new ways of perceiving time, ones we have yet to understand, may gradually be revealed to us. What truly matters is how we evolve and grow within this flow. The moon’s cycle embodies a universal truth that transcends time, reminding us that change is the only constant.
Lunar Sea II (Hanna Yokozawa Farquharson) 2025: Threads, acrylic boards; machine thread drawing. 84 x 84 x 3 in.
Were there some challenges that you faced when creating your pieces for this exhibition, and if any, how did you overcome them?
One time, as I was watching clouds drift across the night sky, covering the full moon, I suddenly saw the clouds transform into a pod of whales, and I could even hear their calls. This experience inspired me to create a piece featuring whales. Instead of seeing it as difficult, I actually found it quite exciting to express the movement of the whales as if they were swimming in the artwork.
Full Moon (Hanna Yokozawa Farquharson) 2020: Wool, felt, cotton, thread; hand stitched. 130 x 90 x 0.25 in.
Are there any future projects or exhibitions that you are working on that you could share with us? How might the themes of lunar inspiration continue to influence your work?
My previous works, influenced by the spirituality I cultivated growing up in Japan, have often conveyed a quiet, calm impression. The core foundation—believing that all living beings have spirits and striving for a harmonious world—remains unchanged. However, my current works are taking a different approach, incorporating more playfulness to express that foundation in new ways. I feel that the moon is a nurturing element that envelops everything gently, giving the feeling that, because it is watching over us, we are free to do whatever we wish. It is as if the moon is encouraging us to embrace our desires.
Are there interactive elements within the exhibition aimed at enhancing viewer engagement with the themes presented?
When I create my works, one of the things I pay close attention to is whether I’m maintaining a high frequency and vibration within myself. The higher and purer the frequency I infuse into my work, the more likely it is that viewers will experience a sense of peace, comfort, and love. Energy naturally responds to energy, and this interaction occurs naturally. Those who resonate with such energy will be drawn to the work. I believe that this is a natural process that takes place.
How does your work reflect or respond to nature, particularly in relation to the moon’s various phases and its impact on life on Earth?
Before the solar-based calendar became widespread, calendars based on the moon’s rhythms guided our sense of time. I feel that this sense of how all living beings on Earth are influenced by the moon’s cycles has gradually faded among us humans. However, I believe that the rhythm of the moon still deeply influences us on an inner level. Through this exhibition, I hope viewers will have the opportunity to reconnect with these ancient memories and rediscover their sensitivity to the moon’s and nature’s rhythms. I hope this exhibition can be a moment to reflect on the profound impact the moon has on us and how vital its universal rhythm is.
View more of Hanna’s work at hannafarquharson.com. Lunar Lore is available to the public from February 15 – April 26, 2025. Select pieces from the exhibition are also available for purchase through our gallery or via our online store.