Inspired by the Play of Coastal Light

For over 35 years, Annie Siegel has created art that reflects the beauty of Denman Island’s forests and ocean. Born and raised in New York city in an artistic family, she moved to BC in 1970 and Denman in 1989.

“My first vivid impressions of the West Coast were of the colours and shapes of the beach stone, the tide pools, and the windy coastal forests. The play of the light, the wind and the water continually shift and change the forms, rearranging their aspect, altering their possibilities,” says Annie. After over three decades on the island, she is still inspired by the natural world around her.

Annie’s landscape paintings juxtapose realism with the imagination and integrate acrylic paint and ink, pastels, coloured pencils, and rice and tissue paper on watercolour paper.

Another abiding interest is the human figure. “I see the figure as perpetually changing, forming new connections and relationships. Most of my compositions are based on one-to-ten-minute poses that I place in relationship to each other to suggest a story or to interpret an emotional experience. Movement is always implicit.” Annie’s figurative work uses a variety of mediums including conte, pastels, watercolour crayons, and acrylic paint.

As well, Annie makes jewelry, using sterling silver, brass, copper, and semi-precious gemstones. She is also a jazz musician, art educator, and writer.

Annie’s education includes a BA in Fine Arts (Painting and Music) from the University of Buffalo, a New York State Education Certificate in Art, a BC Education Certificate in Art, and an Associate Degree in Music from Capilano University, B.C. Her figure and landscape series are represented in collections in Canada, the US, England, and Germany.

Studio: 2031 Westcliff Road, by appointment only

Contact: anisiegel@yahoo.ca | 250-335-1027​

Website: www.anniesiegel.com

See Annie’s work on Denman Island: at her studio (see above) and at the Denman Island Craft Shop.