My Manifest(EM)O(H)

One year ago, on February 22, 2025, I wrote an artist manifesto. Part exercise, part bold statement about both my art as well as me as an artist. But I’m not the Hannah I was 12 months ago. Today I present to you the second evolution: The Manifest(EM)O(H).

EMOH (em-oh) n. — A style of artwork by Hannah Alexandria Isadora Patellis

Originally a portmanteau of the words “Motion” and “Emotion,” EMOHs take on a life of their own. Just like humans do

This is the manifesto of me, Hannah Alexandria Isadora Patellis, and my EMOHs. When it comes to me and my EMOHs, the artist is the art and vice versa. They cannot, and are not intended to ever be, removed from one another for I am bleeding onto each and every canvas

EMOHs are Digital. They are Still. They are Visual.

• Digital as they are initially comprised entirely of 1s and 0s
• Still as they are a captured moment
• Visual as they exist primarily for the witness of the eye
• Art as there was a void and I chose to bring more into existence

They are Painting with Technology

• I call this Painting, for I am placing color where color was not previously
• I evoke Technology, for EMOHs are brought to life through a combination of ancient craft and eons of knowledge

EMOHs are comprised of:

• A container
• Followed by a form
• Which is married to a mesh
• Upon which color is draped
• Vibes are the final puzzle piece, where technical artistry and emotional truths transform into something deeply felt. They’re the universe whispering through me and then letting me know, “This is enough.” Vibes take textbook emotions and translate them into experiences that land in the soul. I do not add vibes—I recognize when they’ve arrived, and that recognition is my signal to release the piece

What is art?

• Defining art is useless and pompous
• But maybe, just maybe, art is the act of putting things together—physical or metaphorical—with any kind of purpose—be that yours or the universe’s
• And maybe, just maybe, art is entirely made up and entirely up to you

Is the final piece the art, or is the process the art?

• It’s both
• As I bring something into existence, the process is fundamental to the piece
• The emotions, the technical details, the connection—it’s all art
• The piece does not exist without process
• The piece evolves as I work, for I start only in a misty fog
• The piece teaches me the deeper into it I wade
• The piece gains meaningful depth only if/as I create

Questions posed are not rhetorical. They are invitations. Ask them of yourself

Am I an artist only when a piece is in progress? Am I no longer an artist once a piece is finished? Does the title of artist have an expiration?

• Being an artist, to me, is experiencing, feeling, and connecting within this existence
• Being an artist, to me, is purpose in actions amidst chaos
• Being an artist, to me, is the honor of capturing the experiences, feelings, and connections from my existence and putting them on display—regardless of who witnesses

Inside of me are vibrant colors, gradients where many things can exist at once. My art is some of that color leaking out. My art is an autobiography that echoes for all eternity

With each and every piece I make, I evolve. I reinvent myself. I reinvent my visual style. I reinvent the way I view and interact within the universe. I learn more about everything with every single piece. I am always a student, I listen to the EMOHs and I listen to the universe

I believe that the most important part of being alive is making connections. Connecting with my art is a powerful connection, but it’s not that simple. Connecting with art also includes connecting with self, the world around me, experiences, circumstances, and anything and everything else

EMOHs are my language for communicating, inspiring, and most importantly, understanding the universe. When we create something where there once was nothing, it expands the universe

When I make art, every single thing I do has a reason. Except when it doesn’t. Except when the universe guides my hand. Except when something goes over my head and the universe smiles

When there is a lull in my work, I do not panic. Whatever is needed will find me when it’s ready

I do not wait to be declared an artist as I am one by nature and know of no other existence

I deeply hope that when you view an EMOH, it becomes a launchpad for your own introspection

Deep introspection requires a space free from transaction. EMOHs are about experience and emotion. They are about honesty and vulnerability. They are about freedom and flexibility. Because these things cannot be quantified, sold, or controlled, they are fundamentally at odds with the system. EMOHs are, by their very nature, anti-capitalist

EMOHs are a conversation. EMOHs are a connection point. EMOHs are an experience. EMOHs are everything to me and maybe nothing to you. That’s okay!

EMOHs exist within a handful of ever-evolving principles:

• No emotions are bad
  • Each one tells us something important
• Humans are emotional by nature
• Collecting experiences and making connections are the goals of being alive
• Staying stationary is toxic
• The only way out is through
• Nothing is one thing. Everything is colorful, flowing back and forth between a vibrant spectrum both seen and unseen
• Trust the vibes. There is more than just our senses, and the vibes encompass the beyond
• Be alone. Listen to yourself. Be your best friend. Date yourself
• Make for the present, not for the future, as the future does not yet exist and is therefore unknowable and impossible to plan for
• Rules and laws, be them of your own making or someone else’s, require constant audit to determine if they are adequate guardrails for our safety or inadequate bullshit

I’ll be better in five years. But I’m not in five years. I’m the Hannah Alexandria Isadora Patellis of right now. I need to make art that reflects this now—my now

I create and I spend it all. Every time. (You should too)

This second evolution is so important to me and I’m thrilled you took the time to read it–I'm very proud of it.

What does being an artist mean to you? How have you transformed over the last 12 months? Reply and let me know! I would love to hear from you!

As always, lots of love ?