Artist’s Statement
There are a few different media that I love working with including: alcohol-based markers, acrylic paints, collage and oil pastels. Much of my art is based around what some people might call ‘doodles’. This consists of lines, shapes, colours, symbols and designs that come somewhat subconsciously at times but are often inspired by art and architecture throughout world cultures and history. Melding and mixing abstract designs with realistic imagery of people, places and animals is often what my art becomes.
My acrylic series, Natural Elements – Blue & Orange, is inspired by the dynamic and beautiful colour combo of blue and orange. I have been interested in exploring these colours for a while and feel like I could never get tired of it. I started this series by filling a blank canvas with these colours intuitively. I wanted to see what shapes and lines developed as the images emerged. I use the paint left on my palette from one painting session as the basis for the next canvas so each painting becomes a pathway to the next. The general theme that arose is the power of nature: storms, flood, fire. As well as fundamental human needs to survive within nature: birth, safety, love.
My art is always evolving and progressing from one thing to another. The problem solving and learning process of creating is immensely gratifying to me and every day I look forward to what I will create next!
Biography
My name is Ana Zekants. Originally from the USA, I have called Australia home since 2008, most of those years here in Toowoomba. I started creating art at a very young age and have never stopped. I studied Art History and Painting as an undergraduate in the US and then got a Master’s degree in Linguistics in Australia. I spent several years living and teaching English in Japan which greatly influenced my art regarding subject matter, style and medium. I love drawing Australian birds, mandalas, abstract designs, and scenes and people from my travels. I also love to create colourful abstract expressionist paintings. I have taken several years off from showing my work in order to homeschool my two children. Now I feel it is time to get back into the art world and see what happens!
Influences
I have had lots of different influences throughout my life as an artist including the art and writing of Ancient Mexcio, Japanese culture, and modern painters of the 20th century such as Miro, Kandinsky, Hundertwasser and Mucha. I am also very attracted to the artistic styles of Art Nouveau, Buddhist mandalas, art of the Silk Road and Post-Impressionism.
Exhibitions
Toowoomba Grammar Show - 2012
Oxygen Café - “Japan Illustrated”, Toowoomba, QLD, 2011
Creative Tanks, Firefly Café, MADE Gallery (group shows) – Toowoomba, QLD, 2011-2012
LAMP Gallery and other small venues, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 2000-2004
Primary Colors, and other group shows, Indianapolis, IN, USA, 2000-2003
Website
https://www.redbubble.com/people/artbyanajay/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent
Showing all 3 artworks