Meet Anna Maecie Collard | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Maecie Collard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna Maecie, how do you think about risk?
Risk demands result, no matter the result. Risk ushers in a discomfort that only gives you the one choice; to grow. As an artist, risk is essential and in my creative process, a non negotiable. I can often feel comfort creeping in and upon discovering it, it then gives me what I call the “ick”. The “ick” for me is the moment where I realize I have settled for the current circumstances and the hunger for growth subsides.

I began my career with a risk by making an art studio in my backyard out of a forgotten shack without any formal education in the career that I was pursuing. I challenged myself everyday to be led by intuition and pushed myself to take leaps of faith that were far out of my league. Over the past three years, there have been many disappointments but also great moments of sweet victories, all the above stemming from what the world sees as risk. As it is this, I see risk with the lens of an opportunity to grow. It is hard to keep this perspective, but I know if I do, risk will continue to be my second nature leading me to more avenues of discovery of the world we know.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

When I began my journey as an artist, my first intention was to learn how to use color so I could bring life of color to the black and white doodles that resided within my notebook. I have always loved shapes and patterns, even in early childhood. My work is just an extension of who I am as an individual. I rely on the everyday interactions with people and places to influence how I shape what I create in my studio. I lead with what is natural to me and market myself though how I see the world.

As an artist, the greatest challenge for myself is to know my identity and learning how to communicate it to my audience. The more I know who I am, the more cohesive my work is to those that experience it. In a world of extremely talented artists, it is easy to get caught in the holding pattern of comparison. If I can keep my focus on the landing strip, I will eventually land where I need to land. For me, focus is key.

I am currently focusing on a new landing strip of traveling to allow different locational cities to influence my work in color and design for the next upcoming year of 2023. My first couple destinations reside in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This is a risk for me and I choose this avenue to purposely make me completely uncomfortable to see what comes from it. I have never left my hometown for more than 10 days at a time and at twenty-eight I believe it is time to witness a little bit more of life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If we are going on a week getaway with me as your tour guide in the city of Fresno California here is your itinerary, the must see of this small-town big town with the emphasis on the Tower District and Downtown Fresno. I absolutely loved living in the heart of Tower District, everything was within walking distance with beautiful architecture filling your morning walks and evening strolls curated with so much freedom to be who you are.

Downtown Fresno Hot Spots:
Shopping: Yellow, Root General
Food: South of Shaw, Quail State
Coffee: Fulton Street Coffee
Tioga Beer Garden

Tower District Hot Spots:
The Revue Coffee Shop
Wilson Island (Historical Neighborhood)
Strummers (Music Venue)
Gazebo Gardens
Goldsteins (Bar)
Living Stones (Bar)
Howlin’ Wolf ( Bar)
Pacifica Pizza (Food)
Ampersands (Food)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My heart is full with love & support from the Downtown community of Fresno California. Here is where they have allowed me to fail and succeed with full arms of support. Also a special thanks to my parents that always used reverse psychology on me when I wanted to through in the towel. You truly know me so well.

Website: annamaecie.com

Instagram: @annamaecie

Other: Pinterest @Annamaecie

Image Credits
Photographer @Annazajacweddings