ARTIST STATEMENT
As an artist whose practice is deeply rooted in the power of personal storytelling and creative exploration, my artistic journey is guided by the pages of my sketchbook, which I have long used as a vehicle for self-expression, introspection, and creative inspiration. Through the act of documenting the everyday – capturing the good, the bad, the mundane and the humorous, I have experienced tremendous personal growth and healing. I have found it to also be an extraordinary tool for continued spiritual self-discovery and integration.
I see my paintings as an extension of my sketchbook practice, bold colorful reflections of my life and the world around me. Notable series include “Middle Age Freak Show” a commentary on my journey to and through menopause, and paintings on upcycled vintage glass windows. These windows create a duality with the viewer, are you viewing or being viewed by the subject? While some of my works are more narrative, others remain just a freeze frame of a moment. My intention is to make work that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Anne is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative journey spans over three decades. She has established herself as a professional artist, accomplished illustrator, and creative mentor. Her artwork has been widely exhibited across the nation and featured in books, films, television, magazines, and even on billboards. Anne’s designs have also been licensed for stationery and home decor products, with her pieces held in private collections globally.
Beyond traditional painting and drawing, Anne’s artistic talents extend to digital media, ceramics, and the deeply personal practice of journaling. She has maintained a daily sketchbook routine for over 20 years, documenting her life and learnings through a combination of words and images. This transformative process has not only fueled her creative inspiration but has also become a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and spiritual inquiry.
Anne teaches live and online courses focused on self-discovery and spiritual exploration through sketchbook journaling to students of all levels, from beginners to seasoned artists. She creates a safe, playful container, guiding participants in using sketchbooks to reconnect with themselves and practice gratitude for the everyday as they witness their own personal art styles surface. Anne also leads intimate art journaling vacations to inspiring destinations like Italy, France, Greece and Portugal. These trips invite travelers to document their journeys through a uniquely personal lens while engaging in new cultural experiences in dreamy locales with like-minded people.
©Anne Leuck