What is the best thing that I love about my work? Painting gives me a true sense of peace and calm. All feels right in my world when I have the time and space to work.
What is my idea of perfect happiness? Having a great ride on my horse.
What is my greatest fear? Lately I have been thinking about death. Losing a loved one or what would happen to my loved ones if something happened to me.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I can be impatient and it causes me unnecessary frustrations and/or worries.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I admire artists whose work has integrity and is interesting. There are so many fantastic artists working today.
What is my greatest extravagance? Owning a horse and all the expense that comes with that. I like good quality things when it comes to my horse.
On what occasion would I lie? I am a terrible liar, but I might tell a lie to spare someone unnecessary pain.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I hate dealing with the tasks that take me away from the easel (packing and shipping, admin work, running errands, distractions.)
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am happiest each time I complete a painting. I have a small celebration and then the process starts all over again.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would be less critical of myself.
What is my greatest achievement in work? I think the fact that I have persevered all these years (25 years since I graduated from university), through the ups and downs, is a pretty great achievement. Being an artist takes courage. I am beginning to really understand and appreciate what an accomplishment it is to be able to make a decent living as an artist and to be consistently accepted by colleagues, critics and collectors.
Where would I most like to live? I do love where I live but If I was fantasizing I would like to be closer to a few Dressage trainers in California. Or perhaps more accurately, I’d like those trainers to be closer to me. I’d also like to spend time in some of the great art cities of the world, but Canada is my home. I truly love it.
What is my most treasured possession? My horse.
What is my most marked characteristic? My determination and ability to persevere.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I don’t spend much time in the city, but I drive to the barn everyday on back roads. The ever changing rural landscape and the sky are always inspiring.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Two Dishes in Peterborough, Ontario.
What books influenced my life and how? There are moments in so many books that have resonated with me and are woven into my memory. Sometimes these poetic words are the seeds that inspire my work. Sometimes they are examples for me of how to live or how not to live. The writings of Eckhart Tolle and Byron Katie have made me really stop and consider the way I think about things. This has been life changing.
Who are my favorite writers? Tom Wolfe, JK Rowling, Donna Tartt, Jane Smiley, Cormac McCarthy, Martin Amis, Charlaine Harris, Susanna Clarke, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie and other brilliant people that have slipped my mind at this moment.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Steve Earle.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Lyra from the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman. Conrad from A Man In Full by Tom Wolfe.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Anyone who works really hard and lives with kindness and generosity toward other living beings. I’m not catholic, but I’m a big fan of Pope Francis.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Brokeback Mountain.
What role plays art in my life and work? I need to make things, it’s how I’m wired, so art is entirely pervasive. I live in that space. The world kind of looks like art to me.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My husband.
Whom would I like to work with in 2018? Because my work is such a solitary activity, and I like it that way, I never think of working with other people per se. But there are fabulous painters that I would love to observe for a day. Mitch Griffiths, David Eichenburg, Anna Wypych and Marco Grassi come to mind. The list is very long though.
Which people in my profession would i love to meet in 2018? I have learned from experience that meeting your heroes can be fraught with disappointment at times, so I’d prefer to say I have no idea who I will get to meet from my profession this year, but I’m looking forward to it. On a side note- Kara Walker’s work is endlessly fascinating to me. I’d like to tell her how amazing her work is.
What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? I am completing a small series for the Coors Western Art Show (January 2019). As soon as the painting I am working on now is done I will turn my focus to my figurative work, to prepare for a solo show at Skidmore Contemporary Art, scheduled for the fall of 2019. I have been thinking about it for many months while I have been getting short term obligations completed. It will be a relief to get to work on it.
Where can you see me or my work in 2018? My work can be seen at Robert Lange Studios and the Vendue in Charleston, SC, The Good Art Company, Fredericksburg, Tx, Skidmore Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, OH. Trias Gallery, Oakville, Ontario.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I can’t imagine retiring from painting. I might slow down a bit, but I doubt I will ever lose that need to make pictures. It’s too interesting.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? I’d love to hear Anna Wypych’s story.
How can you contact me? www.annemariekornachuk.comLinks to email, facebook and Instagram can be found on my website.
