Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Annette Back. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Annette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I had been painting for myself, sort of as a hobby for about 5 years. My friend, also a painter stumbled upon a call for art to take part in the ArtExpo, NY. She applied and asked me to also apply. So I tried without expectations. Well, we both got in and decided to go for it, sharing a booth. Neither one of us had previously exhibited or sold a painting. The risk we took was huge, because the booth was very expensive and we did not know anything about selling our art or if it was even show worthy to others. It turned out to be an incredible experience, my work was very well received. So many people came to support me, that had not known I was painting. I ended up selling three paintings and got two commissions out of it. It also gave me the confidence to pursue fine art seriously as a profession. Overall, I learned so much and I am happy to have participated.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Expressing myself visually has always been a part of me. My childhood temperament was painfully shy and verbal communication was difficult. Growing up Jewish in Germany, acutely aware of my people’s history, I was always careful to speak my mind. I credit this mindset with honing my observation skills and looking at the many layers of a situation. When creating art, expression is deliberate, thoughtful and meaningful. I create abstract or figurative paintings – either using oils or acrylics – that tell a story and connect with people’s emotions. My interpretations of nature, shapes and figures are often achieved by transferring photos and text on a first layer, then painting over that with layers upon layers of transparent or opaque colors, lines, geometric shapes, textures, patterns, and shades. I use many different techniques and interesting color combinations to achieve my vision. Inspirations and ideas come from everything around me. They include past memories, present experiences and current events.
For example, a bunch of flowers strewn on the floor resulted in an geometric exploration of circles and lines that could be interpreted as flowers and their stems, or balloons or a city’s rooftops (“In Dreams”). Robert Doisneau’s famous photograph, “The Kiss by the Hotel De Ville”. inspired the painting “Kiss Me”, which explores each person’s mind as a kiss occurs. Are they thinking of their past loneliness, of people, watching, or of future loneliness if they didn’t kiss? Did they experience the spiral of falling in love or of being lost in the moment?

While I am fearlessly using a conceptual, bold and colorful approach, my artwork is original, visually appealing and evokes thoughts and conversations with the viewer while making emotional connections.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is multifaceted, driven not only by my desire to express myself visually and connect with others emotionally but also by a deep commitment to giving voice to women’s issues and experiences through my art. While these themes hold significant importance to me, it’s essential to note that they are not always the sole focus of my work. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including current events, which often serve as catalysts for new ideas and reflections in my art. Whether exploring women’s issues or responding to the world around me, my goal remains consistent: to create art that sparks dialogue, resonates with viewers, and fosters connections on a profound level. Through my work, I aim to not only address important societal issues but also celebrate the beauty and complexity of the human experience in its entirety.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Having previously worked as a graphic designer, I found myself constantly attuned to the needs and preferences of clients, often silencing my own artistic voice in the process. I became accustomed to creating solely for others, neglecting my own creative impulses and desires. Over time, I realized that I had internalized a “pleasing others” mindset that stifled my authenticity and hindered my artistic growth. It was a challenging journey to unlearn this habit and rediscover my own voice as an artist. I had to break free from the constraints of external expectations and embrace the courage to create art that resonated with me on a personal level. Learning to trust my instincts and value my unique perspective was pivotal in reclaiming my creative identity. Now, I prioritize authenticity and self-expression in my work, striving to create paintings that reflect my true passions, interests, and beliefs. This journey of self-discovery has been empowering, reminding me of the importance of staying true to myself as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annettebackfineart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annettebackfineart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annettebackfineart
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/annette-back-fine-art
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/annettebackart

Image Credits
Annette Back