ARTIST STATEMENT
I have always been fascinated by the fact that the octopus, a sea creature from the cephalopod family, has the unique quality of transforming itself in texture and color to camouflage from potential predators. Some of these changes cause the octopus to be barely recognizable. I have read about this in various articles and have several visuals from a documentary about an Alaskan scientist who had an aquarium built in his living room to study an octopus and its habits and from the Netflix film, “My Octopus Teacher.”
These visuals, in addition to my imagination, have provided fuel for my evolving Aquatic Series in watercolor and clay. The series is yet unfolding and has unlimited potential. Some other sea creatures, such as lampreys and carp, are already present in the series. What all works so far have in common is the fact that they are at least partially hidden by kelp, other aquatic plants, and sometimes strange rock formations. I am more concerned in these works with expression than scientific detail. Using underwater imagery in my work has also had the symbolic significance of diving deep into my subconscious and exploring my spirituality and scoping out the dark places that need enlightenment.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
My early interest in art was inspired by studying the works of my great-uncle, Lynn Bogue Hunt, noted wildlife artist. My family lived in the country in South Haven, Michigan and I grew up surrounded by nature. I attribute having lived near Lake Michigan to my passion for painting aquatic life and creating organic forms in clay.
I received a BA in Studio Art from Principia College, Elsah, Illinois in 1976 and an MFA in Painting from BowIing Green State University in 1980, the year I moved to Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. While a student at Principia College in Elsah, IL, a summer abroad in Australia Inspired my love of oceanic forms.
In recent years, I have become a member of Artists for Climate Awareness, an organization that promotes workshops and lectures by artists whose concern for the effects of climate change is reflected in some of their works. Starting in 2022, I have given workshops in watercolor and clay in St. Louis, MO, Bloomington, IN, and in Chicago that have reflected those concerns. I will be doing a lecture and mixed-media demonstration in Boca Raton, FL, in February 2024 using unusual aquatic subjects.
Currently I am working on a 24-foot by 10-foot installation for a church in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago using sections from its former dome. Using re-purposed materials in my work is something quite different for me. I welcome the challenge, being an advocate for restoration, part of taking care of our earth.
© Anne Farley Gaines