We are honored to have, Ann Upton, as our featured artist, a very talented artist at that, with 5 kids she still finds the time to create amazing art, make sure to follow her on all her channels.
Find Ann: Instagram – @annupton.art – Youtube Channel
How old are you?
I’m 29 years old, a wife, and mom to 5 children
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Kansas, but spent the largest part of my adult life living in Hawaii. I met my husband there, had 3 of our children there, and still very much consider it home.
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I found art in a very unexpected way only 8 months ago. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease almost 2 years ago, and have lived with chronic illness for the better part of a decade. 8 months ago I was in the ICU caused from sepsis from the Lyme. When I was discharged I could hardly walk without help, was incredibly weak and pretty emotionally broken down. I spent a lot of time in bed and fell down the rabbit hole of looking at art online. When I gathered some strength I went to my local art store and picked up a few paints and just started painting. Though I consider myself creative, I was never a painter before and had never done art beyond what you do in elementary school. I posted some of my work online as a sort of healing and it just took off. I’ve been incredibly humbled that people are supporting my art business. Having art has also helped my health immensely. It gives me a reason every single day to keep pushing my body. I still live with daily debilitating pain, but having my art had given me a very tangible reason to keep pushing.
I consider my specialty to be resin work and fluid acrylic. I really enjoy creating resin beach scapes, calming paintings of waves and my physical interpretation of the Aloha spirit. All of my art is heavily influenced by my time in Hawaii, and in a way it’s how I remain connected to my home.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
I would say I have two main jobs; one is being a full time mom, and the other is a full time artist. My husband and I have 5 children together, 3 of which are still very young–4 year old twins and a 1 year old. I squeeze my art and commissions into every free minute when the kids are at school, napping, or in bed.
Do you have a favorite Artist?
I think everyone, whether they are an artist or not, has an appreciation for the art masters of the past. I honestly find more current inspiration though from the many talented “unknown” artists out there. One amazing thing about social media is it has given a platform to countless talented people that otherwise would not have a voice. It has opened up our world as we know it and I feel like I am constantly inspired by the innovation of other new or unknown artists like myself.
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be art related.
I think the greatest accomplishment I have had honestly is being a mom. For me there is nothing more satisfying and gratifying in my life than taking care of my family. For me, ‘ohana (family) is truly everything.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Hopefully doing what I am doing now–my focus regardless of how far in the future, is on my family and my husband. I would love to say in the future I am Lyme disease free.
How is one way you make money with your art?
I actually sell all of my art exclusively on Instagram. I have been very lucky to have grown a fairly large following very organically and people have been responsive to it. I do about a 50/50 mixture of commissions and selling art I have already created. I only do original art, no prints, and sell about 20-30 pieces every month. You can check out all my art available or book a commission straight from my Instagram: Instagram.com/annupton.art
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
I would love to take a cruise around the world. I think it would be hard to pick one place because there are so many incredible places to visit. I’m a major foodie, and actually worked as a pastry chef before having kids, so I just want to follow the food.
What is your favorite brand of art supply? Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software
I go through about 4 gallons of resin a month and my favorite brand is Art Resin. I also am a big fan of golden high flow acrylic for how it mixes with resin, and Liquitex for their acrylic mediums. Black Diamond Pigments also has some incredible metallic pigments that are incredible to add to resin.
Any advice for young artists?
The greatest thing my atypical art journey has shown me is that everyone has something to offer this world. Ive been doing this for 8 months, so even a year ago could never have imagined I would be a full time artist. You are truly capable of incredible things if you just open your mind to the possibility. The most important thing is to not limit yourself and keep pushing your personal boundaries and always be innovating.
Thank you for talking about your life and your history in art. Your courage is strengthening to others who struggle for whatever reasons.