Go to www.artfullyanns.blogspot.com

I live on a beautiful island in the Pacific Northwest. Every day I wake up inspired to create something new. Over the years I have been fortunate to use both my right and left brain talents. I enjoy both the mechanical and scientific thought plus creativity, color and art. I have grown up and worked in the engineering and construction industry. I love to travel, search for new views, materials and ideas. I work on my creations on the road, in the air, on the water or in my work room until they come out as I imagine them. I wander around shops, open air markets, native culture museums, cities, towns, mountains and beaches. Nature is always a favorite art model. My only hope is that someone will enjoy wearing or using or viewing my art as much as I enjoy creating it.

When I was young, I remember sitting around our kitchen table as my mother would draw in pencil, ink, or my favorite, pastels. She was a fashion illustrator for a local newspaper, and I remember watching her beautiful work and wishing I could create the fine lace and tailored suits she drew. Alas, her drawing skills were practiced by me, but not perfected. Thankfully, however, her enjoyment and sense of color were absorbed. Learning watercolor and acrylic painting are one of my current pursuits.

I learned to sew, knit and crochet at my grandmother’s knee. As a young adult in the depression, she was adept at tearing apart a skirt or dress to see how it was made. She was always making up her own designs and patterns. I guess that is where I learned to work freestyle.

As a teen, I was an exchange student in the Faroe Islands through American Field Service for the summer. From my host mother, I learned how to knit socks with five needles and do cross stitch. Her knitting of Fair Isle style sweaters was an inspiration to me. I also learned to shear Faroese sheep. What an experience this was for a girl of sixteen!

I love to share my interest and excitement in the beauty of the world with others. Every day I wake up with new thoughts and plans and can't wait for the next adventure. Who knows? It might be taking pictures of flowers in my backyard, or taking a trip to Alaska to take picture and paint, or hunt for buttons and rocks. I only hope that you will see some treasure you like that I have discovered and can enjoy the item as much as I do. They are all my children.