Artist Statement

 

Yah! (Palawa Kani word for Hello). 

My name is Annie. I was born and raised on tommeginne country, lutruwita (North West Coast of Tasmania). I am a proud Aboriginal woman, which stems from my matriarchal side, my great grandmother, who unfortunately was part of the Stolen Generation. She was born on Woiwurrung country (South Yarra, Victoria) and taken to a mission then onto work as a servant in NSW. Despite many years of research we have been unable to find our mob, yet we continue researching to this day. Not knowing where your blood lines come from is upsetting and can get overwhelming. My art helps me to connect to my ancestors, culture and community, where I am accepted as an artist and an Aboriginal woman. My hope is that my art brings forth deep feelings and emotions you didn't know where there until you really look at the stories contained within. I also hope it encourages others to delve further into their ancestry, and not feel shame for not knowing where they come from. 

Art has always been in my blood. I grew up loving art and creating. I studied art, photography and graphic design in college where all of my works took on an abstract form. My mother is an Aboriginal potter, creating beautiful works of art featuring Aboriginal designs which are exhibited at the Canberra Museum. My uncle is an Elder out of country, which is very humbling. He is also an accomplished Aboriginal artist and musician, playing the saxophone and yidaki. It was inevitable that I would follow in their footsteps.

My painting style is contemporary and has been developed through mentoring from both my mother and my uncle. It is my way of connecting to my Aboriginal heritage and to country, where much of my inspiration comes from.  It allows me to tell stories my way, in a contemporary way, while also being visually appealing through the use of colour and bold lines.

The country on which I live and work, tommeginne country, is rich with fertile soil, coastline, waterways and bushlands, as well as inland mountainous regions. There is often elements of these in my artwork. I am an artist member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia and the Indigenous Art Code.

My other love is abstract art. I am an intuitive artist. I love the freedom of abstract art and how I don’t have to have a plan. I just paint what the hand and brush feel like at the time. I like my art to have lots of colour, texture and enjoy using different mediums. I love to introduce different elements and tools to create patterns and textures. 

I'm a mum to two teenage boys, wife of 20 years and aside from making beautiful jewellery and painting, footy (AFL) is our life.

Previously I have focussed my art in jewellery making. My jewellery is handpainted and made with love and passion. Having recently gone back into the workforce, I have decided to focus my attention on my art.  I will, however, still do the occasional earring release. 

Thankyou for your interest in my works and I do hope you find something you fall in love with.

 

Achievements:

2021

Public Art Prize, Hive, Ulverstone

Digital Artwork - Reconciliation Action Plan, Central Coast Council

Numerous private commissions

Commissioned artwork North West Renal Unit, Tasmanian Health Service

Earrings worn by Narelda Jacobs on national TV

2022

Numerous private commissions

Guest Artist for 2022 - The Big Design Market, Sydney (Sept) & Melbourne (Dec)

Commissioned Mural - Launceston Church Grammar School

Commissioned Mural - Baptcare Orana

Artwork for crew uniform - Tip to Toe 

Gift Card digital artwork - Card.Gift, NAIDOC week

Artwork prints on show for NAIDOC week at North West Regional Hospital, later commissioned to provide said prints

Digital artwork - Button Creek signage - 'Caring for our Coast'

2023

Digital Artwork - Commissioned artwork for KPI Sports

Digital Artwork - Commissioned artwork for Ulverstone Football Club NAIDOC Round

Digital Artwork - Commissioned Artwork for No 34 Aboriginal Centre - Reconciliation Action Plan

Earrings worn by Steph Tisdale on the TV show 'Bump' (Stan)