Greetings Annick, thank you for participating in the TAE Blog!
Bonjour Hello
Please start by giving us a glimpse of your journey as an artist. How long have you been creating art?
I am a French painter and after spending time in Canada, New York City in the 1970’s I came back to England where I lived, got married had two wonderful boys and started to paint in 1994 after I met the right teacher.
Clearly from what I see nature inspires you, can you tell me more about what motivates you?
This great lady gave me the confidence to make a start on my journey, helped me to be myself and encouraged me with my use of colours. Colour is my passion and my use of it is intuitive. My work expresses my feeling of the moment to places.
When did you consider that art was going to be your career?
I prefer calling my ‘career’ my calling. I am grateful I could find it and can express myself through art. I always wanted to find a way to express the intense feelings I felt in front of nature and I am grateful to be able to do just that when I paint.
I studied at the College of Art and Design in Buckinghamshire for three years. I am still in awe of great masters of Colour; Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, and his Fauve period. There are so many artists to name but I cannot forget Pierre Bonnard who still inspires me to this day.
How has your art evolved and what have you learned from it?
My art has evolved, of course, nothing is constant everything changes, colour is still the main ingredient!
I live now in the South of France, where I can experience these strong colours and try to communicate their energy and wonder of life through my work. I have exhibited widely during these 26 to 27 years and still do when possible.
Nature is my muse always.
What challenges as well as joys have you experienced with art?
Life is made of joy and challenging moments of sadness and frustration. It can be a real battle sometimes, especially during the last two years because of the pandemic, it has been impossible for my husband and me to go to England and visit our children and three grandchildren. It can be very difficult at times, but my 43 years of practice of Nichiren Buddhism and my art help me. Freedom, I feel, starts from me and I can see the proof when I let go and trust.
How does art impact your social relationships?
I prefer to be alone when painting and listening to some rock and roll. If you were young and lived through the 70’s you’ll understand! “Aha.”
What motivated you to participate in TAE and how long have you been involved?
I think this 2021 TAE must be my 11th. Thank you David Sandum for leading the way and all people who support it. Giving wholeheartedly is the best way to true happiness.
Thank you, Annick!
Merci (thank you) for including me in the TAE Blog. Thanks for your interest in reading and looking at my art.
If you wish to see more of Annick's work
Visit her website: www.annickmckenzie.com
Or have a look at: www.instagram.com/annickmckenzie_art