Artist of the Corridor

Field of Flowers is a series of drawings depicting flowers against colorful backdrops, by local artist, Anna Gutsch.

On display throughout the month of September 12th - January 1st.

Anna Gutsch is a local designer, artist and entrepreneur who wears many hats. As a designer, she designs colorful birch jewelry for her brand pipapo. At NORDEN she works with her partner on design and fabrication of bespoke furniture and interior spaces. Together they organize the annual Boneyard Arts Market and the popular Mistletoe Markets during the holidays. As a trained color designer, her research and work revolves around the impact color has on people's well being. In her work, colors and patterns play a dominant role which are influenced by her diverse cultural background. Born and raised in Germany, she came to the Champaign-Urbana community in 2009 to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Illinois. Since then she has been living and working in Urbana, IL ever since with her family.

The flowers are stylized with distinctive pencil strokes and are contrasted with bold colors in the background. The page is completely filled with densely layered pencil lines and different shades of wax pigment. From afar, the drawings catch your eye with their bold and complementary colors. Upon closer examination, the drawing reveals complex layering and blending of pigments and a distinct line work.

Flowers are a fleeting luxury. They are tokens of appreciation and symbols of passion. Their fragile nature makes them a very precious gift. Thinking of flowers, I am fascinated by the vibrancy and intensity of their colors. For a plant that lasts only a short while in nature and even less in our homes, it packs a great punch of color. I want to capture this fleeting impression of pure, intense color. My drawings are not botanically correct because I believe that it would distract the viewer from the soul of the flower. When I think about a flower, I don't think about the root system or the shape of the leaves. In my mind the flower forms a field of vibrant, glowing shapes of color that surrounds me. It is a beautiful and incredible thought that nature can create such precious plants. With my art, I want to capture the moment of pure joy over colorful flowers and make it last even when the flowers are long gone.

Urbana Free Library
210 E. Green St, Urbana
Get more information here

Artist of the Corridor, an initiative by the City of Urbana Arts and Culture Program, is a dual-site exhibition series that features local art in the City Building and The Urbana Free Library. All Artist of the Corridor shows are free and open to the public. To receive updates on arts and cultural events and artist opportunities in Urbana, follow Urbana Arts and Culture Program on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or visit urbanaillinois.us/arts.