Artist in conversation: Fine Art by AnnaK
“It’s been a lifetime of learning and understanding who I am at the core of me. Combined with the inspiration and encouragement of close family and friends that has emboldened me to take a leap of faith at a time when many people consider retirement.
I’ve only just begun”
Anna Kovacs's artistic journey took an unexpected yet thrilling turn at the age of 60, marking the beginning of a new life, new career, and a renewed sense of self. Anna began to re-explore her passion for art in 2019 with casual sketches. By 2022, her dedication had intensified, turning into a daily ritual that consumed her mornings, evenings, and even lunch breaks.
In 2023, Anna embraced her calling fully, transitioning from art as a hobby to pursuing it as a full-time career. This shift was more than just a professional change; it was about accepting and celebrating her identity as an artist. Her works are deeply inspired by Australia's breathtaking natural beauty and her own evolving self-awareness, creating a vibrant tapestry rich with color and emotion.
Currently residing in Canberra, Anna is in the midst of renovating her home to include a dedicated studio, further solidifying her commitment to her craft. With a blend of humor, joy, and resilience, Anna Kovacs continues to share her unique vision with the world, inviting others to see through the eyes of an artist who has finally embraced her true self.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
For me, it’s not something I’ve become. An artist is something I have always been and finally allowed to emerge as I was approaching 60 (yes, I am over 60). It was about an awareness of who I am at most authentic self after a lifetime of what felt like being in a socially constructed straight jacket.
As for my style, it’s not a manufactured thing for me. My works emerge from within me and I have no idea other than there is a well of inspiration that I’m tapping into. I’ve observed and at times experimented with different techniques, applying them in a subconscious way to my works when it suits the work itself. I don’t limit myself to one style and I am happy to explore other techniques that suit me.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
I am blessed to have been born in a country, Australia, that is astounding with its natural beauty, the natural world being the source of much of my inspiration. I am also very taken with the human body, one of the most inspirational creations of beauty I’ve encountered. My own personal spiritual journey is also a source of inspiration. What you’ll see in my artworks is a blend of these elements, along with a love of colour and detail.
Were there specific milestones or experiences that shaped your artistic identity?
Absolutely! It’s been a lifetime of learning and understanding who I am at the core of me. Combined with the inspiration and encouragement of close family and friends that has emboldened me to take a leap of faith at a time when many people consider retirement. I’ve only just begun.
How would you describe your creative process? Are there specific rituals or routines that you find essential to your artistic practice?
Where does inspiration come from? It can be from a feeling, a photo, a conversation or an event. Locking myself into a particular ritual or routine doesn’t suit me. I find locking myself into one single style, subject or ritual too constricting, I allow myself to go on an artistic exploration of the work and let it ‘speak’ as to how it wishes to be presented.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
I have a painting called “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway”. It’s of an Australian Red Back Spider, one of our most venomous spiders. I felt compelled to paint this one, which was an interesting choice of subject given my fear of spiders. The funny thing was as the painting evolved and my fear seem to subside, the initial difficulties of capturing the subject on canvas shifted to one of ease. I honestly would not have thought that the subject matter itself would be the source of a challenge. It’s a fairly dark work but one that I grew to love (and I gave her the nickname ‘Charlotte’).
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’m going to quote Lenny Kravitz’s speech when he received his Icon award recently.
“It's never been about how many records I sell, or how many awards I win. It's not about trying to write hits or being calculated or formulaic. It's about enjoying and being grateful for the journey and using the gifts that God gave you. Never follow the trends. Set your own pace and recognize that the best is right here, right now, in front of you."
Critics are absolutely entitled to their opinion. Art is subjective for everyone, including me. For me as an artist, I won’t compromise my artistic integrity and authenticity to follow a trend. It’s a matter of keeping myself and my artworks intact.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I take a break and step away from a particular artwork when needed. Hitting blocks in any endeavour (artistic or otherwise) is part and parcel of life. It’s no different in my work as an artist. I either focus on another work or turn my attention to the long list of things that need doing around my home, or as most of us do, spending time with family and friends and enjoying activities outside of work.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
Like most of us on the planet, via social media. I found it’s the best way for me to connect with other artists around the world and to tap into different avenues to present my work.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Excited! It’s such a wonderful opportunity for me as an Aussie to be able to exhibit my works in around the world.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Keep doing what I’m doing so I keep growing by exploring different avenues of sharing my art to the world. Keep creating as the works come through, that weird portal know as inspiration giving me a nudge that they are ready to be unleashed. I’m not limiting myself to one path for growing my art or my art business, and will explore and review opportunities as they arise If they suit me, I will venture down those tracks.
