Local Artist Profile: Ann Russell

During her years as a mixed media artist, Ann Russell has come to be an expert in combining creativity and nostalgia. A local of the Moreton Bay Region, Ann is one of the many talented artists that belong to Creative Samford Inc. where her aim is to create meaningful artwork by exploring various emotions and spiritual connections that can be made to her pieces.

Styling

Being a mixed media artist, Ann Russell’s list of abilities is quite broad. She investigates a mix of transcendence, sacredness, memory, time and space in her artistry. One of her most prominent inspirations is nature, specifically with how she explores both the spiritual and psychic connections that come from plants, animals, water and even the sky. Through creating these artworks that are not just to provide a visually appealing experience, but also to provoke creativity and diversity, she believes that art provides a different kind of magic that can cause the 21^st century to become a more sustainable and habitable world.

Accomplishments

Throughout her creative career, Ann Russell has been the very deserving winner of a number of awards. In the years 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 she was a finalist at the Moreton Bay Region Art Awards. These haven’t been the only time she’s been a finalist however, she’s also been a high achiever at the following:

• She… Who Discovers
• Rhythm of Life
• Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize
• Churchie Emerging Art Exhibition
• She… Who Loves
• Stanthorpe Art Festival
• Blake Prize, Director’s Cut
• She…
• Sculpture @ Scenic World
• Salvage

Her talent is extremely commendable as she’s also been the winner of numerous awards:

• Mayor’s Choice Award
• RSPCA Christmas Card Design Winner
• First Place of WetlandCare Australia National Art Competition and Exhibition
• Merit Award Moreton Bay Region Art Awards

Where to find her now?

As much as Ann Russell enjoys art herself, she just as much loves to share the joy of art with others. As well as being an art creator, she’s been an art teacher and educator for many years now. Hosting classes in numerous places where people can come and learn her very own techniques. Currently, she is known for the Introduction to Watercolour class she hosts at the Samford Arts Trail. With this class – everyone walks away as an artist with their very own completed painting. However, if you would simply just like to view and enjoy her stunning art – they can be found in a number of different galleries. One, in particular, is located in the Moreton Bay Region – the Pine Rivers Regional Art Gallery.

Samford Arts Trail 2019

Ann Russell was one of the artists hosting workshops for the Samford and Surrounds Art Trail and Open Studios 2019. Collated by Creative Samford Inc., the Samford and Surrounds Art Trail and Open Studios (the annual event is held each weekend from June 1 - 23) is dedicated to showcasing local artistic works, developing the lively creative arts community and establishing Samford as a thriving art scene. In 2019 the month-long program included a suite of creative workshops from textiles to block carving, hosted by local artists. Ann Russell's workshops included Adventures in Mixed Media and Introduction to Watercolour.