Anna Wise
Anna Wise was born in Birmingham, AL, and has lived in Nashville, TN, since 2011. She specializes in figurative paintings using mixed media and oil. Her beautifully chaotic paintings explore creative identity and celebrate the idiosyncrasies that make us one of a kind.
She has participated in solo and group exhibitions, including KORE Gallery (Louisville, KY), Rockwall Gallery (Nashville, TN), and Red 225 Gallery (Nashville, TN). She participated in Superfine Art Fair in April 2023 and April 2024, and The Other Art Fair in May 2024.
Artist Statement
Using bold colors and many layers of inks, collaged elements, pastels, spray paint, acrylic, and oil, I celebrate the unique idiosyncrasies that make us each one of a kind. My mixed media paintings explore creativity in its purest form—strong, visceral, and electrifying—showing how it empowers our identity. The central themes in my work are strength, individuality, and overcoming adversity. These themes are mirrored in my painting process, as I transform chaos into beauty, emphasizing individuality and resilience.
The portraits I create are not of celebrities or famous figures; instead, they embody emotions, lessons learned, or significant life chapters. I intentionally paint women with a universal appearance in abstract, dreamlike settings, inviting the viewer to connect with them and find their own story within the artwork.
My mixed media approach adds depth and complexity, reflecting the intricacies of the human psyche. Each medium feels like a different language, with its own vocabulary for diverse experiences and emotions. Together, these layers create visual poetry, offering space for exploration and emotional engagement.
Ultimately, my goal is to paint a dream that sparks curiosity within the subconscious. Through that curiosity, I hope to inspire a sense of individuality, vision, and purpose, encouraging viewers to treat their lives as a canvas to create the future they desire.
Contact
www.annathewiser.com
hello@annathewiser.com
@annathewiser.art
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
The act of creating itself is my biggest inspiration—the idea that our minds can come up with something that previously did not exist and we can use our hands to bring it to life is astounding and incredibly empowering.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission is to simulate a dream within my artwork where nothing is impossible. The way this influences the work I create is that there are no boundaries or limitations—I let my intuition guide my subject matter, even if it does not initially make sense. As the painting progresses, I’m able to interpret the meaning, and the painting develops a clear yet subjective narrative.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
Something that helps me stay focused is envisioning where I ultimately want to be. What does the art I create look like? What sort of effect does it have on others? How does that affect how I behave, look, and dress? It’s easy to become discouraged when things are not going our way, but I find that envisioning my ideal self and embodying her, here and now, keeps me motivated and opens doors in surprising ways.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
My mindset motto is, "You never fail if you don’t stop trying—you can change the route, but not the goal." Sometimes we get discouraged with our progress, and it feels like it’s time to give up when, in reality, we may just need to change how we get there. We may just need to take an "alternate route," so to speak. Consistency paired with innovation is a powerful combination.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
I hope that my art speaks to the viewer on a subconscious level—that nothing is impossible and that our superpower lies in the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make us who we are. Often, our biggest strengths are hiding in our pain points. I hope my art illuminates those strengths within the viewer and that they are empowered to create the lives and future that they desire.
