What a small world we live in! I learned just a few weeks ago that Anne Harwell is not only an artist like myself, but a Michigan native as well! It is a true pleasure having her share her story here...

Where were you born?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan.

What are your earliest memories of being involved in making art or wanting to be an artist?
From an early age, I was obsessed with any and all kinds of art and office supplies. I would spend my compulsory "nap time" as a kid, creating things from paper cuttings, mucilage and crayons. I would then use a wet cloth to dampen the hair around my hairline and rub my cheeks to convince my mom that I had actually slept a little.

What type of subject matter inspires you most?
I am drawn to design and interiors, in particular.

Tell us a little about your family and where you live.
I am single and live in Bonita Springs, FL on the Gulf Coast. I love the mild climate and living near the beach. It's a perfect, laid-back setting that is great for day-to-day living, far from the urban angst I have experienced living in large cities elsewhere.

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and an artist?
My relationship with God is the most essential thing to keeping me centered, content and sane in this crazy world. My family is also a great source of support and I am very grateful for a close relationship with them. I love being outside, frequenting bookstores, cooking, keeping up with my friends, getting quiet time and plenty of sleep. I also always have a bottle of water with me....always!

Where would you live if you could live anywhere?
That is a hard question - I would probably live here in Florida most of the time, but would also love to live in Paris, London, or Barcelona for part of the year.

What are the most challenging things for you being an artist?
Probably the fact that I am entirely responsible for every aspect of my own business and I have to be a self-starter. Building up a client base and a consistent income can be a challenge as well, but hard work and perseverance pay off. I wouldn't trade the joy and satisfaction that I derive from being an artist for the mundane security of a predictable job, though.

Here are some examples of her work...the first, an intricately hand-cut silhouette of a classic Chinese Chippendale chair is one of my favorites by far!

And I really love her framed quotes!

A super warm thank-you to all who participated in my 1st Blog ART Giveaway! I had my husband do the honors of choosing the 2 WINNERS!!, and they are....

First of all, I just wanted to say thank you so much to all the warm wishes I have received this week not only in regards to our recent move, but especially with my rather painful trip to the dentist. I am finally feeling a bit better today, although still very sore...I'm steering clear of the vicodin though as it really made me feel awful, whereas the ibuprofen seems to be keeping the swelling down...anyway, what a wonderful surprise to have Maya at Completely Coastal include me in her post about Vintage Swimsuits!Thank you so much Maya!I will be sure to include a link on my blog to your wonderful site! Claudia at the Paris Apartment also did a nice write up about me on her wonderful blog as well!Thanks so much!:o) I am hoping to get out the paints today as I have several commissions that need to be finished and of course I would like to get some fresh paintings done for my Etsy store. Stay tuned and have a wonderful Friday!:o)