Ann Munson – Artist Statement

“How does this damn thing work???”

I have come to the conclusion at age 65 that a comfortable state for me must be confusion.  Things interest me.  And I struggle to understand.  Eventually I conquer. A professor once said  “if at some point in any painting you don’t hate it, you haven’t challenged yourself enough.”  Not a problem for me.  I have always made art of some kind.  I taught art partly because I couldn’t decide on just one medium.  And I like kids.  I made stained glass objects and panels and colored pencil drawings that were published and started a gift business.  Because those things were hard. I built a greenhouse and took horticulture.  Me. Ms. Not Science.  I have two sons and two grandkids.  I think I’m the crazy grandma.  Everyday is a happy funny new challenge.  Even when it’s not.

My work is three parts, all fun.  First I carve stamps, cut up rubber combs and mix paint.  Then I make my own papers.  It’s pretty much finger painting for grownups. I cover the entire floor of the greenhouse with colored patterned sheets.  Next I draw, tear paper and glue shapes onto canvas.  It looks like a quilt at this stage.  Finally I use transparent acrylics to add dimension, light ,form, and air.  I’m drawn to a push pull of flat shapes and interesting textures vs. subtle color and atmosphere.  The mantra posted in my studio is “Visual complexity; compositional clarity.”  Huh.  Complexity and clarity.  “How did you say this damn thing works?”