Meet Mixed-Media Artist Ann Williams-Fitzgerald and Her Love for the Process of Creative Exploration
Studio time is my time without distractions. I like to use mixed media and mark making as it allows me to feel free in my art.
Spending time in my studio and allowing the image to make itself clear with minimal influence of my mind, by being still and receptive to what it is that wants to come through and be painted or created.
A Passion for the Natural Environment
I am passionate about the environment and the animals we have in Tasmania.
As a fifth generation Tasmanian, Tasmania has always inspired me as it is part of me and my heritage.
I worked as a writer and retailer back in the 90’s, and one of my works title Wisdom of the Australian Animals Book and Card set featured 48 animals. I made sure that a lot of our Tassie animals were featured in that publication.
I am reminded of that old saying “you can take the girl out of Tassie but you can’t take Tassie out of the girl” . We always seem to come back.
Creative Side Emerging
I always loved art at high school but sadly did not follow that path back then. I was more interested in music.
It was not till I started writing and took up photography in the 90’s that my creative side emerged.
A chance meeting with Professor Vincent McGrath at UTAS back in 2006, led me into my artistic career. I completed my Master of Contemporary Arts at UTAS in 2008 and the rest is history as they say.
Workshops in the Purpose Built Studio Surrounded by Birds and Plants
My studio space here in Tasmania is a purpose built 5×7 space set in my garden.
I have surrounded myself with a chemical free garden with plants and birds that I am able view from inside the studio.
I set up the gardens so that I am able to run outdoor workshops in the future. I like having the option of working indoors or outdoors.
I lived in North Queensland for 40 years before moving back to Tassie in 2019. My Queensland studio was set up the same way with indoor and outdoor studio space.
The Path to Mixed-Media
I started with photo-imaging first and then move onto watercolour painting (botanical) and mark making.
Now I like to work with a whole range of things. Printmaking, oil pastels, oil sticks, watercolours, gouache, acrylic paint, pencils, textiles.
Loving the Process of Exploring
I love the process of exploring, having fun and not really knowing what the outcome will be. I let the art lead me.
The Joy of Workshops and Teaching
I’ve worked as a TAFE arts teacher and associate lecturer in Illustration & Visualisation (drawing) at Central Queensland University for 10 years.
I have experience in researching, planning, designing, developing and delivering training courses in the visual arts, photography and metaphysics.
I really enjoying leading workshops and intend to start them up at my George Town studio over the warmer months.
Creative Arts Studio Life
Auz Vizions Studio is a multifaceted creative arts studio offering a variety of art and metaphysical workshops and courses.
With a small retail section selling artworks, gifts, books, it is the home of the Auz Astrology Australian Animal Zodiac range.
My passion and creativity is finding its expression through the use of painting, writing, educating and photography – the Auz Vizions Studio is the outlet for that expression.
I guess my creative muse is the artistic names that I use – Annie Fitz when I am painting, Ann Fitzgerald for my photography and Ann Williams-Fitzgerald for my writing and retail side of things. I try to nurture the three sides of my creative practice.
How to Flourish with Being Part of Exhibitions
I have been involved in 33 group exhibitions and had 23 solo exhibition over the years.
Being prepared and having a full understanding of the timelines is vital.
Exhibitions can bring exposure to you and your work. The plus side is that with group exhibition you can meet and network with fellow local artists.
Vital Skills for Artists
The biggest thing for an artist is that many do not understand the importance of the business skills needed; good bookkeeping and records are vital.
I was lucky that I was a retailer and photographer for 12 years before I started my artistic studio business. A good balance of creativity and business skills certainly helps.
Art Enriches Our Lives
Follow your heart and let yourself flow.
Don’t let that little voice in your head tell you that you can’t do it or you are not good enough. Art is subjective and the importance of art in society is profound and multifaceted.
It enriches our lives in numerous ways and holds a significant place in human culture and history.
Create, Create, Create.
Art is a fundamental aspect of human existence, influencing every aspect of society.
Its role goes beyond aesthetics, impacting our emotions, intellect, culture, and overall well-being.
Art continues to shape our world and the way we perceive it, making it an indispensable part of human life.
About the Artist
I use the journey of artistic expression as a doorway inwards.
Uncovering ever-deepening ways of ‘being’ into the experience of life, transmitting to the viewer the sublime metaphors through symbols, colour and rich backgrounds.
The works crosses over from minimalism into abstract expressionism.
After taking a seven year hiatus from art I decided to rekindle my true passion after moving back to Tasmania in 2019.
Follow Ann on Facebook and RedBubble. Visit her website for her beautiful designs and creations, online courses, card decks and ebooks, classes and workshops.
Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
So I’m creating, with your help, Art Trails Tasmania, allowing all of us who feel this love to create more of it.
And the Art Trails Tasmania blog is a key part of making this happen, telling the stories of members. It’s about what they have happening with workshops and classes, exhibitions, open studio trails, where to find their outlets, markets, fairs and festivals so you can shop their creations as well as their art and craft retreats.
Also being shared are the supporters of our artists, the galleries, shops, cafes, art societies and groups, places to stay and artist in residencies.
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