New week, new artwork, and most exciting of all... new ARTIST! Welcome, Annie King to Well + Wonder! To say we are thrilled to be showcasing Annie’s art in our collection is an understatement. Annie, who is an Atlanta artist born and bred, has worked professionally as an art educator as well as art therapist, but she says has always remained rooted in her own growth as an artist. Inspired by the intrinsic value that creating art promotes a sense of healing, Annie’s paintings play a significant role in her journey of seeking, surrendering, and trusting God. Each of her paintings is a reflection of learning, re-learning, and ultimate realization as information emerges, hides, and then reinvents itself through layers and layers of material. Annie is a true star and indulged us on the eve of her Well + Wonder release by answering a few of our questions and queries in our new artist interview Pardon Me, Annie King. It is always exciting to launch a new artist and in the process to learn a little bit more about the woman behind the paintbrush. Join us in welcoming Annie as the latest talent to join our ever-expanding team and get to know her a little bit better by reading her interview Pardon Me, Annie King!
What is currently on your nightstand?
Are you talking about the stack of 12 books, each with a bookmark around page 50…that I really am I am going to finish…
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
I love Frida Kahlo. She was strong, confident, and really, a pioneer for the idea of art therapy. My background is in art therapy, and I'm always intrigued by why an artist starts making art. I fascinated with her story and how she dived into painting after her accident when she was bedridden. It’s a wonderful example of the emotionally healing power that making art evokes.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
Gosh, there are too many! Even though I experienced a lot of life’s ups and downs throughout, I had a great childhood. The unconditional love and endless games, pranks, and entertainment with my siblings is something I will always cherish. All four of us were born in a total of 51/2 years, so we were close: in age, school, friend groups, activities, sports, etc. And we were given the freedom to just be kids; and you better believe, we took full advantage of it. We got into a lot of trouble and had our fair share of fights; but we had the best of times together.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Water. I could never work without it!
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
My bedroom. Besides the 12 books haunting me to finish, it is the most peaceful room in the house, filled with things I love.
What is your biggest score online?
I love vintage textiles, and one of my best online scores was an amazing original Egungun tunic from Nigeria that I spotted on eBay.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
I definitely recommend following a collective! The exposure to multiple artists, collaborations, and styles is a great benefit. For a new collector, just buy what you love. Don’t let framing woes get in the way of buying paper pieces. You can always wait to frame. And don’t get caught up in making sure it will fit or match in your home. You can make anything that you treasure work!
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I love the MOMA, it never gets old.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Pink, hot pink. It just seems like the most fun.
I can never get on a plane without….
earphones and my own water
How did you get into the world of art?
I don’t think I was ever really not into it! I was always making art growing up. Then after majoring in it, teaching it, and continuing to create it, I was led to explore why I was so passionate about it. That landed me in graduate school pursuing art therapy. I believe art has a unique power to connect, evoke, and heal our entire being.
What do you do to relax?
Read…I try to finish one of the 12 books on my bedside table…
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
After a vacation or a new experience
Prediction for the Color of 2021?
terracotta or tangerine
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner, a long, enjoyable, multiple course one. As a mom who has just cooked over 3 meals a day (plus snacks) for the past who knows how many Covid-19 days straight, nothing sounds better than being served and lingering, uninterrupted at a delicious dinner with no rush and no dishes to clean.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
Freedom, a piece in 2017 when I was first starting to sell my work professionally. It captured the threshold of letting go, trusting God, and entering new territory. It was a whimsical but powerful statement of freedom.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Just buy what you love! Don't overthink it. Trust your instinct.
