We're so grateful to share your work here at the shop. What a beautiful canvas as we move into the holiday season. Tell us a bit about Random Daydreams.
I am very excited to be exhibiting my work at your location and am thrilled it has received such a warm reception. Pulling together the mono prints for Random Daydreams has been a wonderful experience. They are a departure from my acrylic paintings of clouds and sky-scapes that are more subjective and planned. While approaching my landscape painting I normally have an idea of what I would like to portray. On the other hand, my abstract prints are an extension of thoughts and feelings that are transient and done spontaneously. So the art produced is very similar to unconstructed musing (daydreams?) without a specific destination. They can be summarized as intuitive and open to interpretation by the viewer.
How did you land on this particular layout and shape?
The shape of my prints are dictated by the size of the gel plates I use. I have a variety of sizes and overlap the colors and textures to create depth and perspective. I also use acrylic paint designed for this purpose and vary the opaqueness and transparency to create a mood that is colorful and vibrant. But again, there is no preconceived planning and the shapes and colors speak for themselves. So there are no “wrong answers” as to what they represent.
I am always curious about the artist's journey so tell us, how did you arrive at this particular work at this point in your life?
My artistic journey has spanned many years. My mother was a painter back in the 1920’s and I was always encouraged to express myself in drawing and painting. I still have a number of her paintings and her spirit is alive in the work. I have come to believe that listening to your inner voice will be manifest in your work. And while the body of my work is now sky scapes and clouds, the abstract mono prints are the result of that inward turn and interior focus.
You participate in quite a bit of gallery work as well as supporting our town's 'Studio Montclair'. What does it mean for you to support this active community?
Studio Montclair is a marvelous local group and the organization is well regarded in the art world. Prior to the pandemic, I volunteered as a gallery sitter at the Upper Montclair location and always enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming environment featuring vibrant local artwork. The town is so lucky to have this organization here.
Of course Montclair has always been a haven for artists dating back to the late 1800’s where a “colony” of artists could be found here. Probably the most famous was George Inness but there were a number of world renowned artists including painters, sculptors, stained glass artists and engravers. So maybe there is something in the air that just invites a creative cohort and nurtures those who express themselves through art.
We're hopefully coming out of a terrible time for humanity as the Pandemic 'seems' to be on the retreat - curious how this time has affected the way you think about your craft.
I think the pandemic has presented a unique opportunity for those living through this turmoil to use it as a springboard for creating work. In the early part of the period, I found myself working through the fear and anxiety by producing artwork such as “The Apex” which was in a recent Studio Montclair show and subsequently included in an article published by The Local newspaper. My memory of that time was being glued to the daily television reports and listening to the number of positive cases and deaths in our area. Then I would retreat to my studio and pour that energy into my paintings.
But with the vaccine, a brighter stage of optimism bloomed and my paintings changed to reflect that environment. A good example is the present show where the colors and vibrancy are harbingers of good times ahead. What a wonderful way to celebrate a bright future!
What's next on your artistic journey?
I’ve recently returned to The Art Student’s League when they reopened after the worst of the pandemic. Painting clouds and impressionistic landscapes continue to interest me and I will continue to refine my style. I study with a splendid instructor Ronnie Landfield who is considered one of the best painters in America. His style is lyrical abstraction, but the color field painting and use of light is unique and I have benefited greatly by his observations.
Additionally being in a group setting with other painters is always a treat as you get to critique and exchange ideas. In fact, during one of those interactions I learned there was actually an international “Cloud Appreciation Society” out of the UK with 50,000 active members. Needless to say, I then joined and my work has been featured on their website given the subject matter. So you just never know what these interactions will produce.
I am also a member of Pleiades Gallery of Contemporary Art in the Chelsea Art District in NYC. I enjoy the collegial and collaborative atmosphere of this small gallery and look forward to another solo show in the near future. So life as an artist should be neither static nor isolating, but always evolving and engaging. I guess that’s my approach to my artistic pursuits and life in general. Be joyful and positive!!
What's your favorite coffee or tea beverage?
Oh, without a doubt, @TayTea Wild Woman tea is my favorite!!
Sales of Ann’s work displayed @ Local Coffee will graciously benefit the Montclair Animal Shelter.
Learn more about Ann through her website @ Annkrausstudio.com