We find it intrinsically fascinating, how people’s lives transpire, how choices, life circumstances, geography, genetics and sometimes a bit of old fashioned luck, all play into the unique path that makes up one’s life.

 

When Ann was a young adult, she was introduced to a craft studio/cafe, that was owned by a friend of her mothers. That connection exposed her to a wide range of craft people’s materials and creative expression. She enjoyed the atmosphere and the lifestyle of crafts people, living close to nature. This creative life seemed like an interesting path for her. 

 

Sometimes it is fascinating to ponder if our interests and strengths come from, if it is more “nurture or nature”. Ann’s father had died suddenly of polio, when Anne was five years old, her mother had some sketches and water colours, and due to his colour blindless, instead of becoming a pilot in action during the 2WW, his artistic skill were put to use in the military drawing office. No doubt Ann received this part of his DNA and interesting that both of her brothers had become airline pilots. 

 

As a young adult, it was then inheritance from her paternal grandfather that allowed her to follow whatever her creative interest. The start of her artistic journey was born in the form of gold and silver smithing at RMIT University in Melbourne. Ann found she was good at it and she went on to obtain scholarships, to further her studies and to hone her craft. 

 

While she was contemplating her life path, her art almost spoke to her leading her all over the world, where she studied in different places, and worked in unique studios. 

 

Annie was inspired by a room mate who was from Peru, so she worked at the University as an English teacher, but she felt out of her depth and it pushed her out of her comfort zone in terms of not knowing the language or cultural norms. 

 

As she matured, and her experiences evolved, Annie later moved to England, and went onto another form of art and creativity, where she started doing antique restoration, with different materials, specialising in shell and ivory. They were admired, and purchased by the National Gallery of Victoria, and a range of other high profile galleries in Darwin, Queensland and Sydney. 

 

In the late 80’s she moved to Adelaide, initially to study shoemaking while working with Ross Wooten, at the Jam Factory, her application for an Australian crafts board grant, was successful. She moved to her own workspace, preparing work for her last two solo exhibitions. At Greenhill Galleries North Adelaide, Crawford Gallery in Sydney. 

 

Sometimes in life you encounter a dichotomy – you can be thriving and happy in one area of your life, but total opposite in another. 

Ann found she did not feel like she entirely belonged, or was welcomed or accepted by the people around her. At the same time her creative talent was flourishing. She was feeling challenged between her art and personal life. 

 

Perhaps this led her towards a more spiritual practice, to seek answers in numerology, and out of this, she felt the need to soften her name by adding an “ie”, and changed her name to Annie. 

 

As life went on, Annie, really appreciated kindness as a value, as she often felt this was not shown to her, she made a point of showing kindness to others.

 

It was through Uniity’s monthly Read & Talk, that she noticed the artwork on the walls at Joy of Flora cafe, and the owner Mark, agreed for Annie to exhibit her work. It was the kindness and support by Mark and Uniity, that she longer felt like a lone ranger. 

 

“When I was younger I felt like it was me against the world, this is how I felt in so many different situations. But now I feel I have a place in the world and I can be my authentic self. 

 

It took me up until I turned 70, to not care about what others think so much. There is a freedom and liberation in that, and a powerful self acceptance – finally.”

 

Annie is really big on filling your own cup and self care and having a balanced life. As well as her creative practices, she plays the ukulele, likes walking, gardening and connecting with people. She is also very grateful we live in a country such as Australia, that can support people as they age, with the security of the age pension. 

 

Annie feels so accepted within the Uniity community, at which ever activity she joins. 

She is an active participant at both Walk & Talk and Read & Talk. 

 

“I really enjoy Read & Talk, and the freedom to bring what you have been reading and discuss and know that you are listened to. No one would say “don’t talk Annie”, there is no judgement, you are relaxed and they are open to discussion, there is a liberalness about it and it becomes conversation – so there is a beauty here.

 

I went from feeling not accepted from the outside world most of my life, and now I am with Uniity - It is glorious