Ann Gentry |
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Artist Statement
My name is Ann Gentry and I am a nature-loving spirit inspired by the beauty of landscapes from the rainy pacific northwest to the sunbaked southwest desert.
I find joy in creating worlds full of color, whimsy, and fancy. What starts out as a block of clay transforms in my hands into a wall-hanging mosaic saturated with bright, bold colors; geometric shapes; and scenes overflowing with animals and plants. My mosaics brighten walls and lighten hearts; they embody scenes of growth, gratitude, and reflection.
The tools of my trade include raw clay, a clay roller, glazes, underglazes, brushes, knives, grout, angle iron, a welder and a grinder. I complete the process entirely myself from start to finish, which means that you might find me with messy hands rolling clay, painting underglaze onto pieces, cutting angle iron with a band saw or wearing welding goggles and heavy leather gloves. In working with a piece from start to finish, I ensure top-notch quality and authentic craftmanship.
I am a retired Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, most recently as a school nurse. I derive great joy from caring, not only for other people, but for the earth and its resources. Creating colorful and bright nature-inspired mosaics allows me to convey a respect for the world and an admiration for natural elements that I hope to share with others. My retired status has allowed me to devote significantly more time to playing and creating – and this means more time for making mosaics and quilting (my other creative passion).
While I now reside in Idaho, I draw much of my creative inspiration from the colorful culture of the southwest where I spent 33 years working, raising kids, and baking under the desert sun. Living in an area that many depict as devoid of life and color has inspired me to convey an alternate viewpoint through my art: beauty can be found in any landscape if one takes the time to slow down and observe.
It is a joy to create mosaics and even more special to share my work with others who derive pleasure from color, whimsy, and an appreciation for the natural world.
I find joy in creating worlds full of color, whimsy, and fancy. What starts out as a block of clay transforms in my hands into a wall-hanging mosaic saturated with bright, bold colors; geometric shapes; and scenes overflowing with animals and plants. My mosaics brighten walls and lighten hearts; they embody scenes of growth, gratitude, and reflection.
The tools of my trade include raw clay, a clay roller, glazes, underglazes, brushes, knives, grout, angle iron, a welder and a grinder. I complete the process entirely myself from start to finish, which means that you might find me with messy hands rolling clay, painting underglaze onto pieces, cutting angle iron with a band saw or wearing welding goggles and heavy leather gloves. In working with a piece from start to finish, I ensure top-notch quality and authentic craftmanship.
I am a retired Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, most recently as a school nurse. I derive great joy from caring, not only for other people, but for the earth and its resources. Creating colorful and bright nature-inspired mosaics allows me to convey a respect for the world and an admiration for natural elements that I hope to share with others. My retired status has allowed me to devote significantly more time to playing and creating – and this means more time for making mosaics and quilting (my other creative passion).
While I now reside in Idaho, I draw much of my creative inspiration from the colorful culture of the southwest where I spent 33 years working, raising kids, and baking under the desert sun. Living in an area that many depict as devoid of life and color has inspired me to convey an alternate viewpoint through my art: beauty can be found in any landscape if one takes the time to slow down and observe.
It is a joy to create mosaics and even more special to share my work with others who derive pleasure from color, whimsy, and an appreciation for the natural world.
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life"
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso
