Artist in conversation: Anna elizabeth

“I make art to satisfy my creative impulses. By sharing it with others I hopefully spur the creative process in them and bring a little joy and happiness into their lives.”

Anna Elizabeth is a dynamic visual modern artist hailing from the vibrant artistic community of Richmond, Virginia. Early on in her life Anna discovered that her most profound emotions and expressions found their voice through the canvas and various artistic mediums. With an unwavering commitment to her craft, she has carved a path that blends personal insight and social consciousness into a remarkable artistic journey.

Anna's artistic mission is rooted in education and the pursuit of joy, a vision that takes shape through her exceptional ability to transform ideas and experiences into captivating art. Her work serves as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness and provoking thought on personal and societal issues, making her art not only visually engaging but also intellectually stimulating.

She invites us to join her on a transformative journey where beauty and ugliness coexist in harmony. Her artwork is a heartfelt representation of this juxtaposition, a visual narrative that encourages viewers to explore and understand the world in a deeper, more profound manner. She deftly employs a range of mediums, each chosen for its unique ability to convey the essence of her message, resulting in a body of work that resonates with viewers on an emotional and intellectual level.

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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?

My whole life I have always been interested in creating art. Using my artworks as a sense of therapy, a way to help connect others through the beauty of colors, shapes, and figures. My style can be many things, I think as an Artist we can be and create what ever we feel in the moment and let it bleed into blank space.

In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?

I explore nature in artistic ways with color and light on canvas, with digital paintings, and through my photography. I also evoke my emotions through my use of color palettes and themes. Art has always been therapeutic for me, and I also like to capture moments that are timeless and then share these moments with others through my artworks.

Could you describe your creative process and how you incorporate various disciplines into your artistic practice?

My artworks in many ways are different depending on the projects or subject matter. I like to sketch out what I am initially imagining onto the canvas, paper or the digital iPad. I like to work in layers. And in my photography I will take multiple photographs and then choose the ones that have the most artistic qualities. In my paintings and watercolors I usually work on them for hours and days until I get it just right. And even then, as an artist, it’s never really finished. I’ll go back and look at work that I’ve turned in and see things that I would’ve changed, but I think all artists are like that.

Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?

I recently was in an exhibition “Secrets” that my curator put together, Mara Cipriano through M.A.D.S Art Gallery. I decided to create a digital painting that represented the different masks I wear to interact with different people in my life. I’ve had to deal with childhood and adult trauma, and so l created these different layers of masks over a self portrait I created using iArtbook. I use different emotions or “masks” that are not really me to cope with different situations around certain people. It was very difficult for me to create this effect. When I first used the iArtbook app that people use to paint it was very challenging, I wasn’t the best at the technology of it, and had to watch videos and have others show me the ropes. Once I became skilled at it, I was able to add many different layers and then combine them all to create the final artwork. The artwork is “Transparency” .

How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?

I love to share my artwork on instagram and Facebook, and on other artists platforms. I can not only see what others have created, I can talk to them and collaborate with their creative insights.

How do you believe your multidisciplinary approach enhances the impact and message of your art?

Art in general is multifaceted, I am definitely a person who does not like to be put into a box of what should and shouldn’t be. I have been inspired by many artists that work in different mediums. I believe that an artists work has a piece of them in it, be it our soul or creative footprint embedded into our artworks. This impacts the way that our artworks are viewed. As a unique style, that an artist creates. I feel this influences, the messages that come across visually and universally in artworks.

How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?

I take what others say and put it to use to make myself more aware and can use their knowledge to better educate myself.

How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?

I get inspired by nature, the way the light affects how we see things. I also get inspired by the theme of the exhibitions I have been in. Using my artworks as therapy has also inspired me to push through creative blocks.

How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?

I feel a tremendous amount of pride and honor that I can now share my artworks with the world and by doing so inspire others like me that it can be done.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Some of my long-term goals as an artist are to work with other artists to create exhibitions that bring awareness to mental and emotional healing. As well as exhibitions to bring awareness to environmental changes. I feel that artwork has a voice and statement that translates universally.