My New Art Crush--Anne Siems

It's official, I have a new art crush. While surfing my favorite blogs, I found Seattle artist Anne Siems. As a neophyte painter, her work is new to me. I am absolutely drawn to her magical paintings that are primarily acrylic on wood panels inspired by her love of the European Masters, Early American Folk Art, as well as vintage and modern photography. Her paintings are layered with ornamental elements painted in detail in front of a backdrop of beautiful veils and washes of color. You can't just glance at one of her paintings, you need to study it, and in return, it will offer delightful discoveries.

In her biography, Anne says that she "continues her interest in the human figure (medical and botanical works inspired her earlier works), and the attributes that surround it. These attributes show something about the being without giving a specific narrative. Ideas about life and death, sensuality, sexuality, nature, experiences in the realm of dreams, psyche and spirit" are her ongoing topics. What resonated with me is that she says that elements found in her work were there because they felt right and that they had no specific symbolism. I don't want to work at liking a painting because of its "symbolism."

The artist, who was born in Germany, has an impressive biography. She is a Fulbright Scholar, has exhibited widely throughout the country, and is included in various important collections:  Arkansas Art Center, Boise Art Museum, Microsoft Collection, the Tacoma Art Museum, Hallmark Collection, Nestle USA, Nordstrom, Safecoand Harry Connick, Jr.'s private collection (one of my favorite singer/actors!).

I know it is always fascinating to see where an artist paints, so you can see Anne's studio at another Seattle artist, Alicia Tormey's blog.

And lucky for me, Anne told me that she will be having an artist reception April 5 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Grover Thurston Art Gallery in Seattle where she will be exhibiting.

"Guidance" will show April 5 through May 12 at 319 Third Avenue S., open 11-5 Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment.

Thank you, Anne, for graciously allowing me to share my new discovery--you!