b-uncut

b-Loud: Annett E Bank: alive, boundless, divine

// February 2nd, 2010 // b-loud // b-uncut

This week b-uncut caught up with British artist Annett E. Bank.

Bank, a painter, lives and works in Brighton. Her work is both abstract and figurative. As she puts it, “one is not confined to one’s physical form alone, instead we are connected to all that is.”  Her philosophy can be seen in her art: female figures float and drift in a sea of color, often disappearing into their surroundings. Bank has exhibited at the UK’s Best Graduates Show, Salon Gallery (London), Cambridge Art Fair and the Affordable Art Fair in London & Brussels. She is currently preparing for a solo show at the New Steine Hotel in Brighton throughout May 2010. Read on to find out more about this fabulous artist!

b-Loud!

b-uncut: What was your very first artwork?

AEB: A very early piece from 2001 was a charcoal and pencil drawing called ‘Awakening’ which encompasses all that is still present in my current work- namely vibrant physicality, sensitivity and sensuality within the human form. The composition was so successful that it has been re-used as a template ever since.

b-uncut: Describe the piece you love the most—why?

AEB: I love them all in a way as they speak to me about aesthetics, perfection, meditation, spirituality and poetry. I learn from them. They tell me about a particular feeling of holistic wellbeing. I consider it an artistic relationship and it makes the work genuine and memorable in my eyes. I am grateful for each one as I see people get completely captivated by their visual appeal.

b-uncut: What are your methods? Your inspirations?

AEB: Most recently I returned to working in oil on canvas again. I adore the fabulous qualities of that medium with which you can create those wonderful rich and sculptural effects. Oil is perfect for impasto application and pliable in designing different shades. I work very intuitively with a focus on spontaneous, highly dynamic pattern in order to create images of graceful living and contemplative beauty. I think there are enough ugly things in this world and so I see it as my responsibility to take care of that side of society and contribute to make it a little more enjoyable. I never experience such a thing as ‘fear of destroying’ the painting even whilst being very experimental and bold in my approach. I think this physical involvement with the design process produces authentic art that captures the imagination of the viewer, which I consider my challenge. In the past I have almost exclusively used unusual liquid paints and pigments in combination with other mixed media – and felt very comfortable with that method too. Essentially, I want my paintings to portrait a certain aspect of what it means to be alive- to have boundless energy, sensitivity, passion, awareness and enjoyment of one’s own body.

b-uncut: What did it take to make it to where you are now?

AEB: Determination, personal strength, an irrepressible urge for self-expression, individuality and independence, an unwavering trust in my talent, and a total love for everything I do.

b-uncut: Who has helped you along the way?

AEB: The divine creative spirit who governs all. But apart from that: a life coach, many progressive thinkers, philosophers and writers, fellow students, my friends and my family.

b-uncut: Your work is vibrant and spiritual, and much of it focuses on the female form. Does your work reflect your personal life, does it define you?

AEB: With any creative person it is imperative to acknowledge the connection between the artwork and their personality. I discovered that nothing in life is separate – my paintings cannot be what I am not and so, of course they are a close part of me. I see them as transformational, inspiring and uplifting…the same characteristics that I wish to develop in my personal life. I would say that my gut feeling has shown me the way to paint – long before I was aware of different concepts such as spirituality, human potential movement, postmodern society, or the influence of a hidden agenda for our well being. I believe the world is changing and will be marked by men who are more subtle, and women, who are more powerful, so that there will be balance in the end. The female element in my work is therefore not by accident. In my opinion is the feminine principle on the rise and I feel contemporary art is a great way to express that esoteric tendency.

b-uncut: If you were to design the ultimate dinner party, what 5 artists (dead or alive) would you include for stimulating conversation?

AEB: Alex Grey, Joel Peter Witkin, Lucien Freud, Rex Church, Francis Bacon

b-Quick!

b-uncut: Your favorite swear word?

AEB: I don’t swear.

b-uncut: Most attractive/least attractive quality in a significant other?

AEB: compassion / unreliability

b-uncut: Your biggest (albeit endearing) flaw?

AEB: it takes me far too long to compose articles and publications

b-uncut: Your parents advice you should have followed, but didn’t?

AEB: to live a sensible life

b-uncut: The superhero power you wish you had?

AEB: I’ve got all the power I need

b-uncut: The celebrity you’d like to meet?

AEB: I am not into celebrities, but I like to meet Alex Collier

b-uncut: Your least favorite question to be asked in any interview?

AEB: Where are you from?

b-Honest!

b-uncut: Where do you see yourself in…..

One month? Selling all the pieces that I currently have in exhibitions

One year? Moving into a new studio/home in the countryside

One decade? Still selling artwork that people appreciate