About Anna
As a child the Italian influence in our home was apparent, in food, music and even style. I've always loved Italian designers and artists. Very early I began drawing and designing things, and went through phases of wanting to create fashion and interior design. In high school, my art teacher presented our class with an assignment to create a landscape in acrylic. Once I started that assignment I was hooked, and I have been using acrylics in some form ever since. As time went on I began to add pastels, and a few years later clay, to my progression when I began taking classes at Western Michigan University.
My inspiration is a love for my culture, history, and traveling, which includes Italy and Mexico. By painting in vibrant colors, I am compelled to create landscapes and figures on both surfaces (clay and canvas) that reflect these places. To create bright colors on clay is a technique known as Maiolica, which has been used in Italy for centuries.
I continue to work in both mediums, as they are an equal passion. As a result, I currently work out of two studios, which keeps each day fresh and constantly changing.
I exhibit my work, and create commission pieces, as well as having taught at various art centers, schools, and camps for many years. Being involved at these places has allowed me to work with a wide variety of people from adults to youth, and even the learning disabled.
My new ventures are as project manager of an on going film series, and co-directing a summer arts and music camp, both located at The Box Factory for the Arts, a local art facility. By showing art, culture, and independent films, it gives the audience a broad spectrum, which hopefully makes a difference by educating and enlightening. The camp brings many new things to our art facility. It gives a different kind of energy and education, a week of sheer enjoyment by student and teacher, as well as parents who are delighted to see their children give a performance at week's end.
It is really hard for me to stick to one genre because my passion is so great for so many areas in the world of art. This site and what I do is me just really wanting to share what art can give, and do for others, and be a part of the learning process.
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