Ann Wood: Artist, Professor, Head of Household, IBC

Here's my interview with local artist Ann Wood from the other night.  In interest of full disclosure, Ann is one of my peeps.

What brought you to the Island?

I moved to Galveston almost two years ago.  We didn't move for any artsy fartsy reason - my husband got a job here and we always wanted to live in Galveston. So when my husband had a job opportunity at UTMB we jumped on it. So it's that stereotypical thing - go with your husband's job.  But, I should say, I got a job here on the same day - so it unfolded perfectly.

What do you love about the Island?

I just love the fact that we're close to the top notch art scene. We - Islanders - are laid back.  I love the Island attitude, the beach, the Strand - I like the historic nature, but that we're also so close to all the major cultural institutions in the area.  Oh. And I love IBC!

How would you describe your art?

It's always so hard to describe.  It reminds me of a sculptural still-life that is very over-the-top.  Kinda like 3D Still Life mixed with Liberace's outfits.  It's very gaudy in that way - I use a lot of thread and knots, sequins, and sparkles.  Very feminine, but then I coat it in a rubber or foam - which is a bit industrial and very goopy and wet.  I incorporate a lot of things from nature like fruit, birds, insects, and I mix this with text like idioms and cliches.

So it seems nature inspires your work, anything else?

My work comes out of idioms and Pop Culture and Pop Art references but with a twist. For example, "Spoiled Rotten," is a 3D cake with mushrooms blooming from it (see below).  Mine is like Pop Art but it has more of an authentic feel.  Recently I've been moved by the idea of the traditional, stereotypical work of women.  Like, I think a lot about the act of making a sandwich and how that translates into a woman taking care of her family.  But, unlike traditional Pop Art pieces, you can really see the hand-work in my art rather than the threads, stitches, and seams hidden for a slick finish and image.

So it sounds like your stuff lends itself more to installations?

Yes, it seems to me when my stuff is all in mass, you get the full experience. But, it's not your typical installation where separate entities all have to be there together for the full picture.  Mine work as separate pieces but together they create a "Garden of Eden" feel - I know that sounds silly.  And some people describe my stuff as whimsical - which I hate that description but I can see that.

Where can folks view your work?  Because they really need to see your stuff up close and personal - web photos are not good enough!

Right now I don't have shows or a studio space (I got "Iked"), although I hope to have one soon.  I will keep IBC updated so readers can find out when I get a space going.  In the meantime, people are welcome to contact me at woodannc@hotmail.com 

What do you want to see happen for the art scene in Gtown?

I would like to see the Island art scene reach its old vibrancy and of course to have more active ArtWalks.  I would also like to see more affordable spaces for artists - wherever we can get it.  I know it's difficult because once a place gets hot, artists get priced out.  So wherever we can get affordable space, it would be great.  Because it's really hard to make art on your kitchen floor.