Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Plaisance.
Anne, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’m a French visual artist. I moved to the Boston area three years ago with my family. Before, I lived in Poland and France. I have a Master’s in Economics from the Pantheon-Sorbonne University in Paris and a Harp Diploma. I worked for many years in advertising and had my own agency in Warsaw, working for major international brands. I designed at one-point jewelry for a luxury brand. At one point, I became tired of having to do things for “yesterday” in advertisement, the pressure was not sustainable. Becoming an artist was, therefore, a conscious decision to do something for myself, and with deeper meaning. I had always loved art: I began collecting art when I received my first wage and kept collecting whenever I could afford it. It’s amazing to see how many great artists are everywhere around. It’s truly inspiring.
I went to an art school preparatory course in Warsaw during one year after closing my ad agency but decided to not commit to few years study in an art school since I wanted right away to explore the subjects I was interested in. I never regretted this decision. I met amazing people who helped me along the way, with advice, contacts, constructive critiques, inspiration, insightful questions, tips. Since then, I keep learning, exploring, discovering, implementing.
In the USA, I am amazed at how much support artists can receive from institutions, galleries, art professionals. I received several grants, from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Cambridge Arts Council for Art’s room project, an art project with homeless women, survivors of domestic violence.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m painting, making installations, video, photography, sculpture. I mix different techniques: drawing, painting, collage, writing, sculpting. I explore social justice and gender issues, sometimes in a knock-out way, sometimes in a more delicate way: “My brush is my sword”
“Badrooms” is an installation that deals with Child Sexual Abuse trauma and taboo (still so relevant today unfortunately with the recent wave of revelations about the Church’s hidings and abuse): when finished, I will have made 100 boxes with dolls and testimonies from victims.
“Born to” series, is an anthropological painted diary of a woman’s journey, and Art’s room project focuses on homeless women, survivors of domestic violence, using healing art workshops, photography. I hope the viewer will be moved, touched, and will be more aware of what is going on in the world, especially regarding women’s issues. I hope they also find solace in my works and feel understood if they have gone through abuse, domestic violence.
Honestly, I don’t have any illusion that my art might have any input in changing any policy or any influence on people. To change policies, you need activism, lobbying, long run determination and concrete day to day actions, as well as voting for people that represent your values and understand your concerns. Sure, Art is politics, especially under authoritarian regimes and the freedom of speech limitation, but I don’t know if it has the outreach to change anything on a mass scale, rather on an individual scale by raising awareness and developing critical thinking. Art is society’s mirror, you see, there what is already inside yourself, sometimes you like it, sometimes not.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
I think creating is like breathing for artists: it’s necessary whatever the situation is (financially or emotionally) and thus, even in dire situations, artists find ways to express themselves. You don’t go into art for the finances: a really tiny percentage of artists is able to sustain themselves with their art. Don’t lure yourself since there are millions and millions of artists… but making art gives something priceless, the consciousness of creating something. It’s extremely pleasant. A good friend once gave me this advice: always have a table with all supplies ready to paint/create, even a few minutes per day.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
My work can be seen online and during exhibitions. The next one is in December in NYC (Jadite Gallery). They can support it by buying it or by sharing it with others. Some people tell me they cannot afford it, but what they can do, is share it on social media, spread it like a virus:)J. For example, now, I’m looking for people who would like to take part in my Wonder Women photography project: I want to share stories, testimonies of inspiring, strong, smart, incredible women. I know there are plenty everywhere. Sharing stories is the most powerful way of touching people’s hearts, and can inspire others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anneplaisance.com
- Email: plaisance4art@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anneplaisance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Plaisance-126642567536060/
- Twitter: @annepj
- Other: www.theartsroomproject.com
Image Credit:
@anneplaisance
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