Anne S. Katzeff
Graphic/Web Designer
Artist
Committed to environmental
protection and sustainability
THE STORY OF THE SLED
I grew up in New England and, like most kids here, I had a sled. My dad stenciled my initials onto my sled in order to distinguish it from others. That was when I first realized that my initials spelled a word. That was when my interest in typography began.
The sled has led me down many paths. Ultimately,
it led me to art and graphic design. It has become my symbol for the challenge and fun of travelling through the numerous dimensions of life.
PHILOSOPHY
Clear communication, solid concepts, and teamwork; humor; environmental and social responsibility.
INSPIRATION
My family, the ocean, the Southwest, the Berkshires, Claude Monet, Elizabeth Mowry, my painting buddies, A.M. Cassandre, JMoore, and Walter Kopec.
EXPERTISE
Print design, typography, teaching and consultation, technology, details.
GROUPS & ASSOCIATIONS
- Portfolio Review Board at Massachusetts College of Art and Design:
Graphic Design Certificate Program - Design Can Change: a community of designers committed to environmental sustainability
- Design21: Better design for the greater good
- MeetUp Groups: Boston PHP, Boston Web Design, Boston WordPress, Boston WebsiteSpark
- Mass. Audubon Society
- Nature Conservancy
- NRDC
- Open Studios: Arlington, Newton, Somerville
ARTIST STATEMENT
I have been drawing and painting since I was a child. I would sit for hours drawing mandalas with my colored pencils, entranced by the geometric shapes and rich colors. It wasn't until recently, however, that I started to call myself an artist. That self-defining moment coincided with my falling in love with pastels.
I began working with pastels right after I began swimming with wild dolphins. I wanted to be able to convey through my art the emotional, ethereal quality of this deeply spiritual experience. The vibrant colors and wonderful textures of pastels drew me right back into that ocean world as I painted. Soon I was led to paint other "landscapes" in nature that moved and inspired me.
The Earth is sacred to me. When I begin a painting, the moment the pastel touches the paper, my mind slows down, and I enter a peaceful, meditative state. As I paint, I become deeply immersed in my surroundings, and the joy of playing with color and light fills me. These are sacred moments-when I feel both awe at the beauty around me and humility at being part of something greater than myself.
What I try to do with my paintings is evoke the richness of a particular moment, with all of its sensations and emotions. Art is my way of honoring a special place or experience, usually in the natural world, and of celebrating the wonders of the universe. In my artwork, I step away from my rational mind and allow my spirit to create the art. The completed painting is about what is in my heart as well as what I see with my eyes.