Interview: The Artist Annett Wagner

This week the artist Annett Wagner answers my questions. I'm particularly pleased because this is our second collaboration. Earlier this year, Annett wrote a guest post on my blog about plastic-free acrylic paints. We have a common interest in sustainable art.

Annett specializes in upcycling art, transforming materials such as waste paper and plywood into beautiful works of art. Through her art, she aims to raise awareness of the importance of using natural resources wisely and to emphasize the transformative power of even small sustainable actions.

Introduction

What is your name?
Annett Wagner

Where do you live?
Lübben (Spreewald)

What kind of art/creativity do you mainly do? (Painting, sculpture, photography, digital design, etc.)
Painting

Have you had any formal training, or are you self-taught?
I didn't study art, but I have a degree in fashion design and during my studies we had a lot of seminars on design basics like colour theory, life drawing and presentation techniques.

Where can people see your work? Do you have a website or social media profiles you would like to share?
Sure: On my Website or Instagram

You Are Creative. Why?

How Did You Get Into Art? Where Did Your Creative Journey Begin?

Like many people, my creative journey began as a child: I drew a lot, I had a great imagination and my parents always set an example with their craftsmanship.

During school and university, art was more or less my focus. I have been self-employed since 2010, working mainly as a lecturer in fashion design.

In 2014, I participated in the Open Studios for the first time to show my work to the public. Since then, I have continued to improve and develop. In 2020, I moved back to my home town and now work full time as a freelance artist.

What Inspires You?

My new direction is inspired by lost places where nature and architecture merge. Earlier work with abstract rust surfaces was also inspired by nature, but in a much more subtle way through textures and the process of oxidation.

Are There Certain Artists Or Styles That Influence You?

I am a huge fan of the American artist Noelle Phares. I have been fascinated for years by her way of looking at landscapes and urban spaces cut up by people with geometric shapes.

What does your creative process look like?

What are your favourite materials and tools to use and why?

It all starts with a photograph of a lost place; I'm currently working on a series about the Spreepark, a (formerly) abandoned amusement park in Berlin.

I make a small colour and light study and then prepare a painting surface from old business cards. On this surface I draw the motif and create it with acrylic paints. I work with very few colours and mix the tones myself.

Finally, I prepare the base, which is usually an old shelf or something similar. After sanding and painting the panel, it is glued and nailed. Gradually I transfer the painted business cards onto the board. The result is a collage with geometric elements that are deliberately designed to be disruptive to the idyllic landscape scenes. If you're completely confused, watch the making-of video on Instagram.

Is There A Particular Project Or Work That Is Important To You?

My first lost places motif. I changed my style from abstract to figurative and had to reorganize my whole process. Although I had thought about the best way to do it beforehand, I got completely bogged down and painted over some areas 6 times. It took forever, but I persevered and continued to paint with bandaged fingers. I learned a lot from my mistakes and was able to finish the second one much quicker.

What Was The Biggest Challenge You Faced As An Artist?

I want my upcycling collages to inspire more sustainability and resource conservation, but I didn't feel that I could convey this impressively enough with my abstract rust collages. It took me a while to realize this, and then I had to go through a longer process of finding a new style.

How Important Is It For You To Connect And Interact With Other Artists And Creatives?

This is an important enrichment for me, as I spend a lot of my working time alone in my studio. By exchanging ideas with others, I can get off my own mental merry-go-round from time to time. You also get new ideas and I've already been able to encourage some of my fellow artists to take a step or two.

What Does Art Mean To You? What Role Does It Play In Your Life?

Expressing myself creatively is very important, I realize this again and again when I don't get to paint regularly because of other projects. For me, it is often also a bridge for dialogue to give others a chance to get to me, because I actually like to avoid certain situations.

What Do You Think Is The Role Of Art In Society?

What Role Do Artists Play Within Society?

Artists have always been an important factor in the development of a society. They have evolved from mere craftsmen to thinkers. They have a medium through which they can focus on all our issues and interests, change our perspective and create emotions.

Which Topics Are Important To You?

Is There A Theme Or A Message That You Want To Convey In Your Art?

Clearly sustainability and conservation of resources. With my upcycling technique, I provide physical proof that something new and of high quality can be created from supposed waste. I want to show sceptics how easy change can be.

Thank you, Annett, for taking the time to answer my questions.

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