A quote from the artist. “In 2009, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave the routine and security of my design business (started in 2005) to focus on what’s become my passion—oil painting and illustration.

For me, art is as much about building community as it is about process and refining technique. I take every opportunity I can to get out and see what others are doing at art openings, local festivals, craft shows and galleries. And I try to do my part to build community, whether by hosting a small artists group, attending other groups or helping organize and promote craft shows. I also love thrift stores and everything vintage, hanging with my cats Sesame and Juneau, and listening to my husband talk on and on about all things cycling.”

Let’s Talk Art with Portland, Oregon based artist Anna Magruder.

Q: What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?

Hällby Observatory, northwest of Uppsala, Sweden is a favorite place of mine. While there I got to chip away at marble for the first time. The observatory with its white dome is located in a beautiful rolling green landscape and is now being used as part of an artist community, where artists create as well as conserve/restore past art. I want a studio space in a defunct observatory!

Q: What is the most interesting intimate experience you’ve ever had?

A few years ago I shared a van on a road trip from Ohio to Texas with my younger brother, who I’ve not spent much time with since our teenage days (when we did not get along). We share a passion for finding gems in antique stores, thrift shops and flea markets, and so planned stops along the way on our road trip to peruse and shop. We had plenty of time for heart-to-heart talk and came home with fabulous finds as well as a closer friendship. And I am pleased to say that no wet willies, wedgies or noogies were exchanged.

Q: What was the happiest day of your life?

I don’t know if it was the “happiest”, but I was pretty psyched to receive the award for “most changed” at my 10 year high school reunion. I was so shy in high school that I would barely speak to anyone, and didn’t come out of my shell until college. It was pretty cool to chat with my fellow classmates at the reunion and realize that they are all pretty neat people.

Q: Why can’t we all just get along?

Because people are crazy? No, just joshing… Something I’ve actually been exploring is conflict resolution and mediation. I try to do my part by giving others the benefit of the doubt and avoid making judgments. I’ve also enjoyed studying Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and have learned that getting along IS possible.

Q: What makes your work stand out in a crowd? Do you have a unique trait or philosophy?

I love faces and gain tremendous joy from painting people. I collect old yearbooks and find inspiration in the rows of faces with their dated hairstyles and clothes, the candid shots around campus as well as the posed group shots. I am inspired by black and white photos from the past that I can then interpret with my own color palette and meaning.

Q: What’s in store for your fans?

I am pleased to be a participant in this year’s Portland Open Studios, October 9-10, 16-17, www.portlandopenstudios.com, where visitors can tour Portland artists’ studios and watch us at work. I also hope to push my creativity and skills over the coming years and keep an open mind for new ideas and opportunities. And I suspect you’ll see more faces.

Q: What do you hope your work contributes to society?

My hope is that others might respond to my art on a very personal level and maybe even see themselves or parts of themselves in my subjects. I love to capture others’ imaginations in a way that causes them to see the world in a slightly different way.

thanks anna, you ROCK!

images courtesy: Anna Magruder