A deeper appreciation of the little moments.
What is “Annstracts?”
As you might have gathered, my name is “Ann,” and my passion is creating contemporary abstract art. So that’s how the blur between my name “Ann” and the word “abstracts” happened.
My mission is to share my appreciation of the little moments. I’ve had times in my life that I wondered, “Is this all there is? Get up, go to work, come home, go to bed, and get up all over again?” Thankfully, I found my way out of that thinking. But as I reflect now on those times, I realize that I lacked a sense of gratitude. And the easiest way to pull yourself out of that type of thinking is to start appreciating the little moments.
Through photography, I found that I entered a state of flow. The more I practiced, I realized I loved finding lines, shapes, patterns, and textures. The collection I was creating without realizing it for a long while was abstract. I hope you’ll enjoy these as much as I do, and find that the little moments are really where the magic waits for us.
Seeing a new perspective with contemporary abstract art.
“…abstract art frees our brain from the dominance of reality, enabling it to flow within its inner states, create new emotional and cognitive associations, and activate brain-states that are otherwise harder to access. This process is apparently rewarding as it enables the exploration of yet undiscovered inner territories of the viewer’s brain.
–Vered Aviv, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Cameras created a way to capture reality, to document a moment in time.
Using the same tool, I blur the line between the real and the unreal creating contemporary abstract art. Sometimes my work is fairly realistic. You know what the subject is, but some context might be missing or different from what you’ve seen before. Perhaps you sense something more than meets the eye. Other times, I throw out the traditional rules of photography and experiment, creating cool art and perhaps, unrealistic but visually entertaining images.
Contemporary abstract photography relies more on the viewer than on me to create meaning. There is freedom in abstract photography that allows me to approach my subject creatively. There is also freedom for you to interpret it using your imagination. As a result, both of our brains get a good workout.
Your attention is the most crucial element in my art. You’ll experience a deeper sense of appreciation as you spend a few moments of mindfulness with my contemporary abstract art pieces.
Color at the end of the tunnel: geometric abstract art.
While there may be light at the end of the tunnel, how much more uplifting would it be to have color at the end of the tunnel?
I was walking towards a barn structure we were considering for a photoshoot. To access the barn, we had to pass under a highway through a tunnel. The city had commissioned someone to paint the walls with geometric designs. Sidetracked from the original mission of checking out the barn, I set up my camera and tripod, wondering what would happen if I twisted my camera around? See for yourself how the gradient colors blur the distinction between solid lines, curves, and swirls. I ended up with a set of geometric abstract art pieces that punch a bit of colorful, youthful vibe on your walls with dreamy effects.
Benefits of contemporary abstract art.
An easy way to practice mindfulness.
Start your day with gratitude.
Try out the inspirational quote generator.
When a mentor told me to find three things to be grateful for right upon waking each morning, I didn’t think much would come from it. But groggily, I complied. And years later, I’m here to tell you; it makes a difference. It moves the needle in the right direction.
Unfortunately, myself included, we tend to look for the easy out, the quick fix, the magic pill. But professional teams, high-performance athletes, and successful business executives share a commonality. They understand the importance of daily consistency.
When it comes to having a life filled more with joy and less emptiness, you must cultivate appreciation over time. The simple exercise of finding something, anything to be grateful for, is powerful, even if it is just, “well, I’m glad I have hot water,” By the way, when you don’t have it the next time, you’ll be really grateful!
In addition to this simple act of affirming what is good in your life right now, I also find that a little nudge of self-discovery daily will make you more appreciative of who you are. If you spend a little time each day exploring who you really are, over time, you’ll find that you are an insanely amazing creature—loved, lovable, and fun to be around.
I’ve created the “Reflect” page that features a random inspirational quote generator. I create these inspirational quotes using my photography and writing. They are meant to prompt you into thought, reflection, and if you are open to observing what thoughts and emotions these bring up, you may find you want to journal about them. Visit the page as often as you like, and if you want to explore inspirational quotes by theme, you’ll find that option at the bottom of the page.
Try self-reflection journal prompts with this random inspirational quote generator.
Large abstract wall art.
Uplifting contemporary abstract art for your home or office.
When we connect with art, we are connecting with ourselves. The artwork you decorate with inspires you, makes you feel appreciative, and sparks meaningful conversations with others. And when they say, “go big or go home,” well, go home with big! Lol. There’s nothing like walking into a room with a statement. My art is available in several sizes so you can select the right fit to pop some color into a bathroom or liven up that huge space above the sofa. Because these are offered as limited editions directly from me, the artist, you won’t end up seeing the same piece all over town.
I’m so excited we’ve found each other. My journey is more meaningful with you as part of it.
My most recent journal entry and print.
Journals
Inspirational desk calendar 2022: images of Grand Canyon
What speaks to times of great change and resilience? The Grand Canyon. And how can you harness this reminder so you can reduce stress during your hectic work day? By glancing at this inspirational desk calendar 2022 with images of Grand Canyon.
Prints
Monument Valley Sunset
An abstract desert plateau of peeling paint and rust stains reminds me of a sunset at Monument Valley. As a large wall print, the optimistic oranges and fun pinks will light up an office lobby or brighten up your living room at home.