Ann Griffith - The Beauty of Weathered and Worn

Blue Jean Baby

Mixed Media on Panel

51"H x 36"W x 2"D

Rooted from a lineage of artists and craftsman, art has always been an integral part of Ann Griffiths' life. Her mother, grandfather, and aunt all encouraged her in cultivating an artistic sense throughout her childhood, as they were all artists themselves. These days, Ann finds herself focusing on the beautifully imperfect attributes of this life, and uses that as a focus for her work. 

Drawing inspiration from Zen Buddhism, Ann bases her style after the Japanese term of Wabi Sabi. Wabi Sabi is sometimes described as an appreciation of authentic beauty, which is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete."  It is a representation of flawed beauty. As an artist, she is enthralled with the idea of achieving this flawed beauty philosophy in her artwork. Taking layers upon layers of paint and scratching and scuffing away at each layer to reveal what lies underneath; this is where the aesthetic of Wabi Sabi is truly represented. Her work is weathered and worn, and that is precisely what makes it so enticing. 

Upon deeper study of the many layers of impasto texture and paint glazes, her work is very relatable to its audience. The worked and weathered aspect of her art is almost comforting, knowing that there is beauty in all things, even the imperfect things that we sometimes wish were in fact, perfect. But as Ann herself states, the sublime is found in imperfection! The greatest parts of her art, much like in life, are the bits and pieces that show that nothing lasts forever and organically, everything changes over time

In some of her pieces, Ann uses between 15 to layers of paint to achieve her signature textured look. Scratches and scrapes show the work of a delicate hand, while her application of colors and excavation of layers bring forth everything that is beautiful about her work. 

- Ann Griffith