Grass Roots Gallery: Leave Me Be

“Often feeling swallowed by lifes out of control changes I've found my artistic voice was strategically separated from my social views. Leaning more toward capturing surrounding beauty and attempting to freeze time. A small attempt to maintain control within the rapid change. Environmental detriment is a hot topic to not casually discuss. The weight of the world’s problems seem daunting and hard to swallow. Being an artist allows you to be a storyteller, echo the parts of your life that spark passion and work out feelings in a very vulnerable way. 'Leave Me Be' is the stepping stone to amplifying my voice and marrying my personal and artistic path. My way to analyse and act on issues that affect me. Rising waters, climbing temperatures, burning forests, poisoning the living; Cutting the trees and the connection between nature deeply impacts my story. Speaking for those that cannot stand up against harm. Speaking on and for change. Without claiming to know the solutions, or even all the facts, I challenge myself to create without the weight of others doubts. An exploration of my critical thinking. An expression of my deepest concerns.”- Artist statement for Grassroots Gallery group show, 2021

‘Taken’ 16x20 Linoleum block print with separately printed gold saws weaving through the tree trunks. Representing clear cutting.

‘Rising’ 16x20 Linoleum block print with separately printed, horizontally weaved paper in blue gradient, representing rising sea level and flooding as the trees thin.

‘Burning Up’ 16x20 Linoleum block print with separately printed, vertically weaved paper in yellow, orange, red gradient. Representing both rising global temperatures and increase in wildfires, as the trees thin and the earth has less shade.

‘Leave Me Be’ 16x20 Linoleum block print. Single tree, left untouched.

-Anne Stillwell