Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Flemings.
Hi Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been a creative just about my whole life! I have fond memories of working in the kitchen with my grandmother when I was about 7 years old, as she taught me how to paint. This experience was the start of a life-long passion and I have been hooked since!
I received a BFA in graphic design, and always the practical sort; figured this would help me get a secure job. However, life seemed to have a different plan. I found myself engaged in various creative pursuits—painting billboards, printing greeting cards, marketing storage sheds, and producing direct mail. Residing in a small Pennsylvania town with limited job opportunities, I decided to pursue an MA in sociology and counseling. This led to a career in fundraising with a local university, where I met my husband, started a family, and temporarily set aside my artistic dreams.
About a decade ago, a workshop titled “Reinvigorating Your Art Practice” with artist Andrew Long at Laguna Gloria reignited my artistic flame. Juggling parenthood and a demanding professional life, I faced the challenge of balancing my nonprofit work and my passion for art. An opportunity for a part-time nonprofit position emerged, aligning with my vision for a life filled with art and the ability to give more time to my young son. I scaled back my nonprofit commitments, and fully embraced art once again.
In 2015, I secured my first working studio space, and by 2017, I began showcasing my work—a journey that continues to unfold. Currently, I have a studio at the Canopy complex on Springdale Road and another closer to home at Home Lane. While still engaged in part-time nonprofit work, I am now an empty nester, reclaiming time to invest in my art.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The life of a creative is not without its challenges. For me, it has been critical to balance my time and define what is truly productive for my practice. Protecting studio time is an ongoing challenge, especially as I navigate between nonprofit work and family commitments. Establishing a consistent “studio habit” has proven instrumental in helping me to persevere, particularly on days when the motivation to get into the studio is low.
Early advice to “find the stream and put yourself there” emphasized the importance of exhibiting in art-centric spaces. However, I’ve learned to evaluate exhibitions based on their alignment with my goals, considering factors beyond mere exposure, such as sales success. Recognizing the lumpy nature of art sales income, I’ve diversified income streams to sustain my art practice, which includes participating in online platforms and selling prints. Maintaining a part-time job ensures a consistent financial foundation for my art business but requires a balance to protect my studio time.
Strategic planning for all aspects of my art business, including quarterly exhibition plans, has proven invaluable. While social media offers a powerful platform, consistency in providing engaging content demands a dedicated effort, an area I am working to improve. Despite the time investment, being present on Instagram (@ann_flemings_art) and Facebook (@annflemingsart) is essential for maintaining visibility.
Although virtual platforms are valuable, I believe in the tactile experience of appreciating art in person. Hosting Open Canopy at my studio every first Saturday of the month, between 1-4 PM, offers a consistent space to showcase my work publicly. Serving as the event’s informal coordinator necessitates time away from the studio, but it contributes significantly to my overall business.
Artists play a crucial role in sharing beauty in our world and fostering time for reflection. Artist Brian Rutenberg’s perspective on giving the gift of “slowing down” through art resonates with me. As an artist, I strive to contribute to making the world a more beautiful place and remind myself of the value in serving humanity through my artwork.
Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your work.
When I create, I draw upon heartfelt memories and ordinary moments, trying to make art that reflects a sense of peace, balance, and beauty. Nature is a favorite source of inspiration for me, and my daily meditation practice helps me cultivate a sense of calm. This inner peace inspires a great deal of my artwork.
As a contemporary abstract painter, I primarily work with acrylics. I seek to uncover ‘the light’ within each piece, aiming to create subtle tensions between hues and tones, dark and light. I start with a simple composition, which becomes layered and excavated then layered again to create depth. Eventually, it becomes a call-and-response activity. I put a shape or mark on the painting, step back and let it sink in to tell me what it needs or what should be taken away. The result is an image with an overall sense of energetic tranquility. Some pieces come quickly but most of my work requires a great deal of reflection.
Every painting tells a story and possesses its own soul. Viewers have described my art as exuding tranquility and radiating revitalizing energy. Comments such as “Such a soft energy!” and “…what a peaceful feeling” resonate with my artistic vision. Creating a serene and calming essence in my work is essential, allowing viewers to experience a moment of respite and rejuvenation.
Selecting original art for your home is a thoughtful process, as it introduces a personality and spirit into your space. My joy lies in creating original contemporary paintings that inspire living and working environments. I don’t create art to linger in my studio; rather, it’s meant to bring beauty to the world, shared with others. Discovering an artwork that speaks to you is a unique moment, and I take immense pleasure in bringing smiles through my creations.
To view my work, you can visit FlemingsArt.com or explore my Canopy studio. I am also represented by Artworks Gallery on West 6th, and platforms like Saatchi Art and Turning Art host my pieces. For a more personal experience, connect with me directly for a no-obligation studio visit at ann@flemingsart.com or 512.963.0198.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Building a community of artists and creatives is crucial. Engaging in “shop talk” with like-minded individuals who share similar experiences is invaluable. Identifying a mentor, someone a few steps ahead, provides insights into successful strategies and achievements. Personally, the Canopy Complex has played a pivotal role in expanding my connections with fellow artists.
Attending openings and exhibitions, getting to know artists, and experiencing their work are excellent ways to immerse oneself in the art community. Now, with my son in college, I look forward to dedicating more time to these activities and further expanding my art network.
Online platforms offer effective avenues for connecting with artists. Participating in online workshops has provided me with many positive tools and valuable connections. Having a circle of artists, like my studio mate and neighboring artists, ensures a source of honest, helpful advice and feedback. Building a community involves putting yourself out there, sharing your art, thoughts on the creative life, and opening up to others. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed—it’s a critical step in establishing a robust support system. Most importantly, savor the adventure!
Pricing:
- Prices range from $150 to $5000
- Commissions – I accept commissions and love helping people create a unique piece for their space. Commission prices are determined by size and project scope.
- Delivery: Delivery and my help in placing and hanging the work are available—free local delivery for most work.
- Archival prints – All my work is available as archival prints in various sizes and on different substrates (paper, canvas, acrylic). Saatchi Art hosts many of my works that are available in print, but please get in touch with me about any of my work you are interested in seeing as a print, and I can accommodate you.
Contact Info:
- Website: FlemingsArt.com
- Instagram: @ann_flemings_art
- Facebook: @annflemingsart
- Email: ann@flemingsart.com
- Text: 512.963.0198
- Studio: Canopy Complex, 916 Springdale Road, Bldng 1, Studio 217, Austin, TX 78702
Image Credits
Photography by Alexander Boeschenstein
