SUMMARY

Join me in a captivating journey with Anna VanStralen, an artist who's art transcends its materialities. Listen in as Anna shares her experience of letting go of criticism and finding freedom in the flow of her practice, leading to unexpected breakthrough works. Her movement between painting and sculpture is not just a shift in medium, but a reflection of life's fluid demands. Anna's narrative of growth and the pursuit of a PhD unfolds, revealing how deep introspection and academic rigour can enrich an artist's conceptual understanding of their work.

This conversation also explores the transformative potential of visual storytelling and the different ways we interpret the world. We discuss visual learning and how early cognitive preferences can signal future pathways, with Anna recounting her own path from dioramas to art school. The episode touches on the delicate balance between embracing critique and staying true to one's artistic vision. Moreover, Anna draws attention to the interplay between art, truth and metaphor, reflecting on how art can challenge dominant narratives and inspire profound discussions about our impact on the environmental.

Prepare to be moved by Anna's reading of a beautiful piece of writing that weaves together the tale of a mother's fierce love for their child in the face of daunting challenges. Anna's reflections on the artist's life in Tasmania—its isolation, beauty, and mystery—paint a vivid picture of the creative spirit that thrives on this island. As you listen, you'll be invited to consider the enduring spirit of storytelling and how it bridges the worlds we inhabit and those we imagine.

LINKS

Connect with Anna @avs_paint

The reading Anna shared is Birdhouse by Annie Zhang, published in Island Magazine, issue 169.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Artistic Practice and Flexibility

(0:05:14) - Artistic Exploration and Inspiration

(0:17:10) - Journey of Self-Discovery Through Creativity

(0:25:43) - Academic Journey and Self-Discovery

(0:32:49) - Exploring Art, Truth, and Metaphor

(0:36:40) - Magpies and the Window

(0:43:45) - Wings and Magpies

EPISODE KEYWORDS

Artistic Process, Creativity, Inspiration, Transformative Journey, Personal Growth, Motherhood, Higher Education, Artistic Metamorphosis, Environmental Coexistence, Cultural Significance, Sculpture, Critical Feedback, Visual Thinking, Dioramas, Academic Discovery, Original Thinking, PhD, Transcendentalism, Art, Truth, Metaphor, Transformation, Freedom, Love, Tasmania.

This podcast was edited using Podcastle; these show notes were generated by Podium and reviewed and refined by Tim.

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Disclaimers:

The author and the publisher of Birdhouse were emailed separately, 3 weeks prior to publication of this episode, to request permission to broadcast Anna's reading for educational purposes only.

The use of power tools for art making is mentioned. We do not endorse the use of power tools without training or supervision.

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