Discover the captivating world of Anna Carll, a celebrated contemporary mixed-media artist whose work transcends the boundaries of paint, paper, and emotion. In this episode, we explore how Anna transforms layers of texture, collage, and color into thought-provoking visual narratives that connect deeply with modern audiences. From her early inspirations to her evolving creative process, Anna shares insights into the techniques behind her abstract art, the emotional language of materials, and the stories hidden within every layer of her compositions. Whether you’re an art collector, creative professional, or simply passionate about contemporary art, this conversation offers inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at how a mixed-media artist brings vision to life.
Keywords: Anna Carll, contemporary mixed-media artist, abstract art, modern art, collage, painting, creative process, artist interview, art podcast, contemporary art inspiration, visual storytelling, studio art, creative journey.
American contemporary mixed-media artist Anna Carll who began her painting career with very colorful figurative work, which slowly evolved into non-representational abstract work that’s based on the concept of urban expansion and erosion. Anna was born in Charleston, WV in 1960. Her mother Maggie Schettler, a career nurse and teacher, and father James Carll, who worked in the auto industry, divorced when Anna was just 12 years of age. She is the youngest of six children. Anna reflects on a troubled childhood and how she became a truant, eventually dropping out of high school and becoming a juvenile delinquent. She describes herself as a having been a sickly child who suffered from dyslexia while becoming introspective and private. At the age of 17, she ran away from home. When she returned home six months later to her mother she went back to school and achieved her General Equivalency Diploma (GED) at 18. It was then she decided to focus on a vocation in graphic art and design by attending the Sarasota County Vocational Technical Center for 12 months. This was followed by six months at the Venice Sun Newspaper where Anna realized she still needed further training so she attended the University of Florida, graduating with a BA in Art & Graphic Design in 1984. Her career began as an illustrator and graphic artist and for 16 years she worked in Atlanta. Anna subsequently spent 12 years honing her craft as an painter in the North Georgia Mountains under the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains in the Blue Ridge area. From 1992-4 she studied with the artist Ouida Canaday before leaving her career as a graphic artist to become a full-time fine artist in 1999. Anna’s first gallery representation came in 1997 with Bender Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta and she is now represented by a number of galleries in the US. Anna’s work is collected by a diverse group of both private individuals and corporations in the US, South America, Europe and Asia. Anna now lives in Chattanooga, TN with her cat Sadie Mei.
Anna’s links:
https://www.annacarll.com/
https://www.instagram.com/annacarllart
Anna’s favorite female artists in visual arts:
Current artists: Marjorie Thompson, Galen Chaney, Karen Stamper, Lynn Alker, Nicola Bennett, Cat Tesla, Bethany Kohrt, Helen Ward, Julia Bland, Jackie Mulder, Jackie Leishman, Rebecca Crowell, Patricia Kelly, Jill Stoll, Nina Tichava
Late artists: Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Nevelson Eva Hesse, Ruth Asawa, Georgia O'Kieffe, Frida Kahlo
Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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