Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Marie Bailey.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I haven’t always known that I wanted to be an artist. The first year and a half of college, I changed my major three times before deciding on fine arts. It still took me a while after that to feel convinced that I had made the right choice. I persevered on that track to graduate with a BFA from Biola University in Los Angeles, CA in 2006. Looking back now, I see that it makes sense and aligns with who I was created to be!
Because 90% of my childhood was spent in Indonesia, my artwork has become (almost subconsciously) an abstract representation of that time spent immersed in a tropical environment. This is evident in my use of colorful and organic shapes, often representative of lush island flora and underwater ocean life. It comes as no surprise to me that for a girl who grew up on a South Pacific island tropical elements would greatly influence the content and creation of my art.
Currently, I live in South San Diego and am slowly working on building a business using my creative talents.
Please tell us about your art.
I create abstract contemporary paintings that are often colorful and large scale. Throughout the years, I have found that I most enjoy the process when I am able to experiment with the painting process or work in unconventional ways. For example, I enjoy finding everyday common objects dipping them in the paint and studying the various connections I see from the marks they leave on the canvas.
I liken my process to the “drawing game” in which players take turns making marks on paper, with the goal of translating those marks into a picture. As I make strokes on the canvas, I frequently pause to see what connection I see or what the mark instantly calls to mind.
Finished paintings often reveal what I am inspired by: oceanic environments, coastal living, and various elements drawn from nature.
I hope that upon viewing my work others will be able to create connections of their own that will mesh with their life stories.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Ooh, good question! This is a concept which I often struggle with. I am learning that success means celebrating how far you’ve come, even the little things. It also means that I am satisfied with the work I have created and with the goals, I have accomplished.
In order to succeed in those goals, I find that perseverance is extremely essential. Perseverance and hard work go hand in hand. There have been and will be doubts, setbacks, lulls and creative dry spells – and I have to keep creating or I may miss out on some potentially great successes!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My portfolio is viewable on my website (www.annemariebailey.com). To see behind the scenes and to take a more in-depth look at my process, please follow my Instagram account (@annemariebaileyart). Select paintings, both originals, and prints are available for purchase through my website. I would love your support through a follow on Instagram or an artwork purchase. And while you’re checking out my website, sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know about new releases and promos!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annemariebailey.com
- Email: ambaileyart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/annemariebaileyart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/annemariebaileyart
Image Credit:
Anne Marie Bailey
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