The Setting: How did you get into mixed media art?

My love for mixed media began when I was a teen. I would make mixtapes for my peers and, to accompany them, I would create a unique collage cover based on the recipient and tone of the mix. I love the thrill of the hunt – finding those perfect pieces to the puzzle that doesn’t exist yet.

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The Plot: What is your current process for creating a collage piece?

While my process varies greatly in duration, it generally follows a similar path. It begins with a discovery phase. I search through my collected materials to find moments, colors, textures that seem intriguing to me at the moment. I usually make several piles during this phase, some ideas have more clarity at the start than others.

With my piles in place, I begin to cut and shape. Typically the ethos of a piece isn’t clear to me until I see everything laying together. From there, I usually will sit on an arrangement for several days until it feels like every speck is in the proper place. On rare occasions a piece will come together in a matter of hours. Those are nice days. Lastly, of course, comes the glue and sticky fingers.

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The Characters: Are there any artists or works that influence you?

My influences typically come from music, design, photography, and my artistic peers. A few top of mind influences are Patti Smith, Helen Frankenthaler, Clarice Lispector, and Erwin Blumenfeld.

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The Conflict: How do you continue to find inspiration to create?

The way I move through lack of inspiration is accepting that it’s okay to feel uninspired. If you are not feeling inspired, go move your body (dance!) to shake up your internal energy, do something that pleases you deeply, or surround yourself with people you love and admire. If you allow yourself to enjoy down time you will find yourself in the studio again with a mind filled to the brim.

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The Theme: Tell us about the pieces featured in our guestrooms and The Club Room at Life House Berkshires.

My relationship with Perceptible by Touch revolves around making peace with the unknown. A sense of serenity comes from its simplicity. The focus is on the path: the peaks and the valleys.

Release, Repeat came out of a similar headspace for me. Being able to think about the macro and the micro, recognizing you are somewhere in-between. I’m happy these pieces found their way to the Berkshires - the spirit, colors, and textures resemble that of the land and the atmosphere you have created at the hotel.

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Point of View: What do you strive to reflect in your art?

The vast majority of my work is rooted in my experience with the feminine desire, or lack thereof, in our culture. I think of my pieces as small vignettes: a sensual dimly lit room where your heart is pounding, or a vast pasture where you feel the sun touch your skin as you roam. I want those interacting with my art to feel something in their chest.

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See Annie on Instagram at @aedslh.