Searfoss (Hawk) is a multi-media artist from Crestview. From watercolor works and pen and ink, to digital media and ceramics, Hawk dabbles in a variety of mediums. Inspired by folklore and nature, her work typically depicts her love for native Florida plants and animals, and more specifically, cats. You may have seen some of her work on display at the Coastal Cat Cafe in downtown Pensacola.
Hawk has participated in a variety of art markets and shows throughout the area, and most recently wrapped up her first solo exhibition, fleur & fauna, at Icon Modern Gallery in downtown Pensacola. In late 2025, she will be cohosting an exhibition at The Brent Lofts, entitled Southern Gothic.
Hawk’s work can also be found online at goimagine.com/hawkstudio. To check out more of her work, follow @hwkstudio on Instagram or visit hwk-studio.com for information on upcoming markets and shows.
DTC: Let’s start with you telling me a little bit about yourself and your professional background.
HS: I’m a multi-disciplinary artist from Crestview, FL. In addition to art-making, I do a fair bit of art-related volunteer work. I co-own and am the director for the Crestview Artists Collective, and my work earned me an Artist-in-Residence opportunity earlier this year with Gallery Residential. Being able to focus so much time on art and volunteer work has also given me the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for the Main Street Association of Crestview. I do all of this work because I think all of us artists in Crestview deserve to have artistic representation and opportunities closer to home. In the future, I plan to open a gallery and studio space in downtown Crestview.
DTC: How did you get interested in creating, and what drew you to multi-media art?
HS: My creative pursuits have been a core element of my identity since childhood. After discovering a talent in drawing as a kid, my parents encouraged me to develop my talents into a skilled pursuit that manifests through the media I utilize. I never liked the advice of picking one medium to stay in. Some ideas work better in a variety of mediums.
DTC: What mediums do you primarily use?
HS: I typically use pen and ink, watercolor, linocut printmaking, digital media and ceramics; however, the media I choose for each artwork depends on the subject matter. When I create artwork for my shelf at the cat cafe, I prefer utilizing digital media to create various stationery and stickers that serve as mementos. For more detailed artwork, I prefer utilizing watercolor, pen and ink, and most recently, linocut printmaking. The focus that these mediums require is relatively meditative, which fits into some of my more folksy themes. When I want a break from 2D media, I switch to pottery. I’m currently in a ceramic rabbit hole, full of learning and new ideas.
DTC: Can you take me through your creative process and describe what goes into creating one of your pieces?
HS: My process always begins with an idea. These stem from anything from music to walks in nature to dreams, or random quotes and sayings. My husband and I will regularly have philosophical conversations, and one conversation inspired a design I’m working on, Nature is not Bothered, which illustrates the fact that nature will continue to do its thing with no thought to us. The Latin quote which means something similar was too long to use as a title, but the English translation hit a bit harder. When our local state parks were threatened by development, I grabbed my stylus and began drawing on my iPad.
Once the idea is firm, I begin sketching it out. Digital sketching is one of my favorite ways to begin a complex project because I can easily alter my sketch, repeat patterns with efficiency, and test ideas before the sketch is drawn on paper. After the sketch is complete, I paint or ink over the design to make the finished piece. Some mediums are a bit more involved. Linocut printmaking, for instance, requires a few additional steps. Not only do you have to create a reverse sketch of your artwork, but you have to transfer the sketch to your block, carve it out, ink it up and transfer the print on paper.
DTC: Is there anything else you’d like to add, or that you’d like readers to know?
HS: My husband and I regularly have conversations about the goals and aspirations we set for ourselves. This current endeavor began by cramming my artistic pursuit into a schedule that already included a full-time job. Each time I reach a goal, I remember those conversations. It brings me a lot of fulfillment to know that I’m in a place where I can pursue my art, teach art to others and have time to care for our growing family while doing all of this.