Interview with Anna Schnelle
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
Initially I studied fashion design. For years I worked as a freelance fashion designer and tailor. I did a lot of cosplay and also worked in the costumes department of a movie production. It was always my dream to make a living out of my art, but things didn’t work out back then. When Covid hit I rediscovered my love for painting. I tried a few mediums, but making linocut prints was one of the things that stayed. It feels like the perfect fusion of drawing, painting and crafting.
2. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My art ist mostly themed around animals and nature. I have a special love for bugs and get a lot of inspiration from their anatomy. I simply admire their strength and I am fascinated by the nearly alien-like look they have. I always try to give them some kind of sublimity to show my deep respect for other creatures and the ecosystem we live in.
3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
Doing art somehow soothes me and helps me to sort my thoughts and experiences I made. Therefore being able to make art helps me with the struggles I have in life and to make me a happier person.
4. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
I think it really can be. Especially when working at home. But i also think it depends on what you are making out of it. Personally i try to surround myself with other artsy people that make me comfy and spark my creativity.
5. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I am currently working on making wall scrolls with my motives, inspired by traditional Japanese Kakemono. I have also started to print on fabric lately and will be printing some of my bug motives on bags soon.
Because it made so much fun writing little poems for my prints, I will be working on more of them in the future.
Insta @craftlingatwork