We recently had the chance to connect with Anne Gifford and have shared our conversation below.
Anne, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My new grandson! Family. My bike. Birds. Frogs. Creeks, rivers. Sunshine. Clouds. Rain.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been fortunate to have become a bit of a Boulder fixture as far as artists go. After working in silkscreen for 25 years, I started expressing my ideas in watercolor, which has become my medium of choice and expertise. I’ve experimented with different styles, but am best known for my semi- (but mostly) realistic paintings. I selectively exaggerate the colors I see as my renditions of often local scenery unfold. On my many walks and hikes, I am always on the lookout for new imagery. Light, shadows, rocks, water, mountains, canyons, wildlife and whimsy are all part of my subject matter as I bring my own unique vision to my work.
For 40 years I was an artist/owner of the Boulder Arts and Crafts Gallery on the Pearl Street Mall. It was there that I had the good fortune to be discovered by the Bolder Boulder 10K Race folks as they searched for an artist to create their 1988 poster. Since then, I have had the pleasure to paint or silkscreen eight more posters for the Bolder Boulder, which is one of the largest 10K races in the U.S. Thus the Boulder fixture……
Right now, I show in two galleries, pARTiculars Gallery in Lafayette, CO and Spirits in the Wind in Golden, CO. I’m experimenting with painting the shapes I see in everything and branching out from my realistic bent, while still maintaining the style that I have cultivated over many years.
I’ve been teaching for 23 years and am taking a bit of time off right now to enjoy my new grandbaby. I plan to teach again shortly.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
An artist. It started with my mom putting a pile of greeting cards in my crib when I was tiny. It helped her out because they amused me for hours as I looked at every one of them before toppling over and falling asleep. My parents always told me I should become an artist if that is what was in my heart. I was lucky. No one ever told me I had to do anything else.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Go ahead and keep painting. It will work out and it’s ok for you to be true to yourself. My dad told me that. It helped, and I’m repeating it here.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Pretty much, yes. I am always willing to share my trade “secrets” in order to help others improve upon their own artistic skills. I’m pretty down to earth. I like to inspire and uplift people with the use of kind words of encouragement and support. There is something of beauty to be found in every painting, no matter what stage of artistic development you are in.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am out on my bike, walking, or hiking in nature. I love the birds, the bright greens of spring, the textures of the grasses and trees, the sound of water in the creeks, the long shadows at the beginning and end of each day….all of it. I come home inspired and know that I will never get to paint all of the pictures that I have in my head….it would take two lifetimes.
I am at peace when I enter the zen space of painting. It’s a good place to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/anne-gifford
- Instagram: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/anne-gifford
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annie.gifford.9
