Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Keck.
Hi Anna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I come from a creative family, so I’ve been making things my whole life. My family supports my interest in art, and I’ve always known since I was a kid that I would have a creative career of some sort. After my BFA in Fibers from SCAD, I moved to San Francisco and worked at ZOO-INK, a company that screenprints fabric by hand. I then accepted a year-long residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee. At that time, I was weaving my paintings and spent the year developing a body of work. After my residency ended, I returned to Charleston, SC, where I grew up and had my first solo exhibition at The City Gallery in the Dock Street Theater (also in Charleston), showcasing this new work. I stayed in Charleston for many years and worked at a high-end framing shop, Haven’s Picture Framing, designing and assembling framed artwork.
Eventually, in 2003, I decided to move back to Savannah, GA, where my heart has always remained. I’ve been a full-time staff member in the Fibers Department at SCAD for a little over 20 years. My role there is multifaceted, but my favorite part is troubleshooting equipment like knitting machines and looms. I love to use my deductive reasoning and engineering skills, and I geek out in this area of my job. I’m thankful I found a career in the arts that landed me in a creative community where I can be surrounded by talented creatives. It’s a very inspiring place to be, and I’m thankful for my work community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As the saying goes, the struggle is real, but the reward is great. Balancing a full-time job while keeping up an art practice has always been my biggest challenge. I earned my MFA in Fibers by taking one class at a time while also working full time. It took me 5 years to complete, but once I set my heart on something, I jump in with both feet and am determined to make it happen. After I completed my MFA, my partner Todd and I spent several years renovating our home, which unfortunately took me away from my art practice.
Coming back to art after my long hiatus felt like an opportunity to start fresh and rebuild my connections in the community. My work has always been mixed media, but I was craving a shift from working in fiber. I wanted to work in a medium that was easy to take with me anywhere, so I could create in pockets of time, which worked well with my busy schedule. I started keeping a small sketchbook in my purse and would draw during my lunch breaks. I was having so much fun that I developed a morning routine that I still do today. I get up at 5:00 AM to give myself at least an hour in my home studio before I go to work. It has become my morning meditation, and a wonderful way to start my day. Creating something every single day has been a game-changer for me. I’m still learning to balance my time with work, multiple interests, and downtime, but I’m getting much better at it. My creative progress is slow, but I do see a progression.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I will probably always be a mixed-media artist. I get bored doing the same process over and over, and I love to experiment and try new substrates and mediums. Currently, I use watercolors, acrylics, inks, pens, colored pencils, paint pens, and markers with saturated colors, letting color theory guide my choices. My subject matter is rooted in my love of nature. When I was getting back into my art, I would pick up a twig and draw it. Nature instinctively became my muse because I’ve always had a spiritual connection to the natural world. I’m also interested in the lessons we can learn from watching nature through its life cycle or habitat. We all share the same ecosystem, and as a society, we need to do better to protect our environment. I want to remind people of the beauty that surrounds us and to encourage people to take a closer look. The mangled pine cone you see in your yard has a story to tell, and I’m trying to tell its story through color. By using bright and joyful colors, I hope to evoke happiness that comes from really seeing nature’s beauty in all the forms it takes, including decay. In a world where the constant stream of challenging news can feel overwhelming, I’m reminded how important it is to actively spread hope and brighten someone’s day whenever possible, and that’s exactly what I hope my nature-inspired art can do for others.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
There are several places you can view more of my art in Savannah. I have a studio at Arts Southeast (2301 Bull St. – Studio #7) where I showcase my work. I also set up a booth in Forsyth Park near the water fountain on Saturdays when the weather allows. I have original artwork, prints, and greeting cards available at both venues, as well as on my website. I share my daily practice on Instagram stories, but signing up for my monthly Newsletter on my website is the best way to keep up with what I’m up to with my art practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keckstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keckstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kecknits
