I want you to feel what I feel: hope, confidence, possibilities!
i paint images that come to my mind’s eye; usually they arrive to me while i’m asleep. sometimes, i get visions when i am meditating, during a long swim, mindless minutes on the elliptical, a seemingly endless bus ride or in the middle of a music concert!
i truly never know when the magic will happen-- that is my process--AND that’s not all~ my dreams unfold ‘the how’. vivid “plans” - detailed, layered, pictorial instructions so vivid i can clearly recall them as i reproduce the image from my dream onto the weave of fabric under my fingers.
it is a process that takes a tremendous amount of time. especially for me. everything has to be marked, labeled, recorded, measured. it isn’t just about the ‘art’ or ‘painting’ - it is truly a labor of love. i am on my knees, on the floor, for hours! when i was younger, this was not that big of a deal, but as the years pass, yeah, its becoming a bit more challenging. my husband has built me a table, but there is something about working on the floor that is grounding. currently, it is manageable. i am so focused when i work, i don't really notice...until i have to get up (LOL)
i really love what i do. i love that my dreams continue to be filled with these amazing picture stories just waiting to be ‘told’. when i say i am blessed. i am. i am blessed beyond measure!
I feel things. I dream things. I paint things. That is how things work in my world.
...applying another layer
person
possibility
process
i am a USAF and MN air national
guard veteran living with blindness.
late in my 30’s i was diagnosed
with rod-cone dystrophy.
process
possibility
process
i continue to create by building up the surface layer by layer...navigating the tactile surface and especially designed touch points. i use technology and braille labels to help me identify the tubes of paint and mediums in my studio.
it is only in my dreams do the images that i paint come into full view of my imagination.
possibility
possibility
possibility
though, i am no longer able to actually 'see' my art, i continue to ask the question of those who can:
'do you see what i feel?'
behind the scenes with annie
paint brushes?
paint brushes?
paint brushes?
I initially began painting with using the tips of my fingers, palms of my hands and forearms. I felt I had to keep in constant contact with the canvas. Over the years I have gained greater confidence in my skills and I now use brushes.
teaching
paint brushes?
paint brushes?
I love to share the little I know about art and especially with young minds. They love to play with color and paint and make messes. Oh the joy in their voices when they find success after creating a masterpiece!!!
inspiration
paint brushes?
community heART
I am constantly inspired in my everyday...it is critical that I honor that which inspires me. My fingers itch until such time the images that visit me in my dreams are brought to fruition. I have learned to always honor the images which visit me in my dreams.
community heART
do you see what i feel?
community heART
I honestly don't know where I would be ...or if I would even be working as a professional artist had it not been for supportive artists in our community. I am grateful to those who encouraged me and lifted me up. I wish to continue doing the same. I started the community heART award. It recognizes and honors those who are lifting other creatives up.
SEE ME!
do you see what i feel?
do you see what i feel?
When I am not working in my studio chances are I am out and about helping MN Dot or Metro Transit evaluate transportation safety for pedestrians.
I like to remind folks to please SEE ME! I am someone!
Someone's mom
Someone's wife
Someone's grandma
Someone's friend
Let's keep the roads and walkways safe for everyone!
do you see what i feel?
do you see what i feel?
do you see what i feel?
I get a lot questions about my logo. My eldest son created these when he was a student in art school. They are my hands that he turned into eyes..the fingers are my eye lashes. At the time, my sister-in-law thought up my tag line, "do you see what I feel?" Together I believe it communicates exactly what I want to ask people to think about when they see my art.