Ann Millard

Artist Statement

Ann Millard
Artist Statement

44 Overlook Road
Asheville, NC 28803

My art interest began as a child when I began using Prang watercolors to paint trees (until it was suggested that I consider other subjects). I studied art as an undergraduate at George Mason University. I studied Art Therapy at George Washington University. I earned a Master’s degree in Social Worker and practiced as a psychotherapist as my livelihood. I often encouraged my clients to do their own creative work to heal. Since retirement, doing art has become my sole focus. I pursued my art interest in classes and exhibitions at the Reston Community Center, in Fairfax, Va. for 8 years. In 2023, I retired to Asheville, NC. I heeded the call of the mountains, the music and the arts.

I am the eldest of eight children with all four of my sisters engaged in some type of artistic endeavors, from oil painting, to illustration and photography. My daughter, Elena is a performance artist combining sound and the visual arts. Her visual work includes a collage layering of photo images, often with motion and travel themes.

My art expression takes 2 different directions. I create mixed media collage pieces. I love playing with color, texture, composition and contrast. I collect and experiment with treating a variety of papers. My collage work is created by layering, sometimes with translucent paper, sometimes with textured surfaces such as cardboard. I use a wide variety of media and materials including gelli printed paper. pencil,, inks and fluid acrylics. I will come upon “favorite” paints colors and introduce them in my work. Most recently that has been using copper paint. I often find botanical images emerge spontaneously as I work.

A second direction for me is landscape painting. I find solace in hiking in all mountains and appreciate the beauty of all natural landscapes, each in its own way. One of my submission is from a photo I took at the top of the Mt. Pisgah fire tower.