We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Bryant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

My biggest successes so far have come from a willingness to embrace my fears and stay open to the possibility of rejection. When I first began selling my work, I realized the importance of persistently reaching out to galleries with each release. With every new body of work, I’ve made a point to submit my portfolio to local galleries. After some consistent effort and determination, I began seeing more and more open doors that quickly shifted the pace of my career. Huge opportunity lies in being bold enough to just ask. “Yes” can happen surprisingly often, and “no” isn’t as scary as it may seem.

Anna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Anna Bryant, an Asheville, NC-based artist with a focus on relief printmaking. My artistic journey is deeply rooted in the exploration of human connection. Drawing inspiration from the profound joy and fulfillment found in spiritual and physical synergy with others, I seek to capture the essence of acceptance and inclusion through my work.

My art is a visual representation of the human experience, aiming to evoke empathy and understanding. It is through these moments of deep connection that I have personally discovered healing and resolution in my own life.

In each piece I strive for a deep understanding of composition and form, employing minimal yet intentional elements. Smooth, flowing lines converge to guide the viewer’s eye, while my reductive techniques strip the piece to its most essential elements to heighten their expressive power.

My most recent series, The Nude Collection, delves into the intricate layers of the Self, examining how they intertwine, sometimes deviate, and the nuanced interplay between them. It explores the complexity of how these layers can both complement and contradict each other within us and resonate with the layers within others.

I employ uncomplicated color palettes and clean-cut line work to create a signature style that is both timeless and enduring. This style permeates both my personal portfolio and commissioned client projects, offering a cohesive narrative on the pursuit of harmony and intimacy as our greatest human resource.

Printmaking is deeply meaningful to me for its lasting quality that transcends the fast-paced nature of the digital age where information is constant and fleeting. Throughout its history, print has served as a powerful conduit for sharing knowledge, connecting people, sparking revolutions, and evoking change. A special nostalgic allure and visceral connection remains from tactile engagement with the medium as both the artist and viewer that embodies a rare sense of permanence. In this world of increasing digitalization, I have the urge to be more and more analogue.

I’m especially drawn to relief printmaking for its reductive nature. The process of uncovering the image already present within the block emphasizes negative space and the power of absence. My initial process mirrors this approach, as I begin with a shape and gradually refine it until the design emerges in its full clarity. There’s an essence of alchemy and mystery inherent in every form of printmaking that captivates me and ensures I remain a perpetual student.

I strive to inspire the same ties to our human collective in my audience as I experience in the process of creation. Each piece is a testament to the beauty and complexity of relationships, inspiring change by inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency is key when it comes to building your audience. Finding balance between authenticity and the never-ending pressure to post often is a big piece. It’s easy to overanalyze and have self doubt, but the most important thing is to keep showing up. Even on days when inspiration is scarce, sharing from a genuine place will resonate and build community.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A substantial portion of my business revenue stems from framed artwork. However, I encountered challenges sourcing frames that balanced cost-effectiveness with quality, not to mention the environmental impact of online frame purchases and excess packaging waste. Conscious of my environmental footprint, I sought an alternative solution. Opting to craft my own frames, I established a partnership with a construction company, collecting all of my materials entirely from reclaimed sources. This shift prioritized quality and sustainability over quantity. Though raising prices to reflect the increased time investment initially resulted in fewer sales, each piece garnered higher value, promoting a slower but more intentional approach to my business.

Another memorable pivot came when I decided to refine my focus on where I had gallery representation. As an emerging artist seeking to get more of your work to a wider audience, I initially pursued opportunities across various galleries and venues. This transition required withdrawing my work from significant income-generating spaces, a daunting yet essential step for continued growth. I’ve learned that these “growing pains” are intimidating but necessary as you evolve as an artist and business – willingness to adapt even when situations feel uncertain. I’ve done this once and I’m sure I’ll continue to do this many times throughout my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annabryantart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.bryant.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabryantart