S I L K P A I N T I N G S

Silk is a creature. Its movement and sheen, its fragile sensitivity to water and dye, and the rippling effect of light on its surface, all result in a challenge coupled with what feels like chance. The process of silk painting involves so many steps and so many reactions between different chemicals on delicate threads, that the painting itself changes throughout the process. From the initial planning, to laying down the wax, to the delicate and patient painting with dyes, to the permanent setting with chemical concentrates, to the chemical wash, to the hanging to dry in the wind before becoming a painting hanging on the wall, the art surprises the artist.

Heavily influenced by the natural world and the special quality of silk that allows for the exploration of movement and light in the landscape and its creatures, Anneka concentrates on creating pieces that demonstrate the dynamism of color, the dancing, ever-changing presence of sun and moonlight, and the fluidity of constant cycles around us through her medium. Anneka strives to reflect the temporal, organic and cyclical world--portraying its fleeting qualities, like beauty in time, or emotional states—through the movement of light on colored silk.

A N I M A L M E D I C I N E C A R D S

Shamanism, which exists all over the planet in many different cultures and forms, is the study of a different kind of knowledge we aren’t typically exposed to in day to day life, and it seeks to use that knowledge to heal relationships—whether that be between the body, mind, or spirit, individuals in society, humankind and Nature, or a soul and the Godhead. Shamanism seeks to demonstrate and revitalize the Unity that underlies all of creation, by bringing attention to the patterns, archetypes, and internally realized truths that are more than mere coincidence.

The animal deck of cards embraces this definition of shamanism by making use of archetypes and symbolism in the form of a deck of cards. Playing cards have been traditionally used in cartomancy for a very long time. They’re far less conspicuous than tarot cards, and more likely to be lying around the house. 52 cards stand for 52 weeks in the year, 4 suites for the 4 seasons, and 4 elements. The combination of numerology and elements give each card a specific message that can be contemplated for self-realization and guidance of inner dialogue.

Carefully considering the messages given by numbers and suites, the animals have been paired with each card as a form of medicine for the message given by the card. Based on animal behaviors and the wisdom they teach, each animal offers a kind of medicine to take when the card’s message or meaning is encountered in life. Meditation on the animal, researching its habits and characteristics, and seeking inward contemplation activates the medicine.

INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION

Anneka is influenced by the natural world, myths and storytelling from various cultures, and a touch of transcendence through the exploration of cyclical, omnipresent patterns of decay and rebirth. She also can’t often resist a little bit of fantasy.

You might notice heavy influences from Southeast Asian and Indian art due to her time spent abroad in India, along with a degree in comparative Religious Studies and minor in India Studies that had a strong focus on art and Hinduism. She also spent time abroad studying Sufism in Turkey, literature in Greece and culture and language in Germany. Her love to travel and learn about the people of this world is a constant source of inspiration.