Here at RANGE, we tend to begin our workdays hunting for inspiration. We search through news sites, our favorite blogs and our massive collection of print magazines, all to find fresh designs, color palettes and artwork that take form somewhere between creativity and outdoor adventure. One day, our own little version of StumbleUpon led us to the Tumblr of Anna Porreca, an extremely gifted graphic designer, illustrator and outdoor enthusiast.
Anna’s work immediately resonated with our values here at RANGE. Her delicate practice of utilizing geometric patterns and bold colors to reflect symbols of wilderness are almost too good to be true, reminding us of trips we’ve taken to seas, slopes, forests and deserts. We recently reached out to Anna to further understand her artistic vision and passion, and lucky for us, she created an original illustration of what the phrase “Fly your own flag” means to her. Take a closer look at her illustration above, and read on to learn more about Anna Porreca and her talents.
Q. How did you fall into illustration and graphic design? Was it always a passion of yours, or did it develop over time?
A. Drawing and illustration have been a constant in my life. I grew up surrounded by creative spirit. My dad is a fine artist, sculptor and art teacher. My mom is a crafter who taught me how to sew, press plants and make candles. My sisters and I were always provided with the tools to draw, collage or puff-paint a sweatshirt to our heart’s content. Since I’m the youngest of three, there was probably some good old-fashioned sibling rivalry with me trying to catch up to my sisters’ skill levels.
Graphic design has not always been part of my story or psyche. Now I look back and recognize the underlying interest, but it didn’t quite hold shape for me as a student. In school, I went through a big Adbusters phase. “Buy nothing,” “kill your TV,” and all of that because the graphic design major was lumped into advertising curriculum. It didn’t quite fit my mindset. I have a broader view now of what graphic design means, and how many different niches are within it. I love design because it is at the center of organization and communication.
Q. Where did you study fine art and illustration, and how did it influence you and your work?
A. I went to the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. I loved school. I worked my ass off and loved it. I could have stayed there forever making my way through all of the fine arts, fashion, illustration and photography classes. I actually spent a year in the fashion program and realized I wanted to spend more time drawing. I graduated with a degree in Fine Arts – Printmaking, and I really miss the smell of a print lab!
During the era that I went to CCAD, traditional foundation principles ruled the teaching philosophies. In other words, everyone believed you couldn’t have a good painting without first creating a good drawing. My traditional background unquestionably affects my approach to graphics because my style is much more illustrative. I almost always end up manipulating fonts by hand so that they feel more unique.
Q. How would you describe your design and illustration style?
A. Luminous eclecticism.
Q. We noticed you like to bounce around between pen, pencil, watercolor and beyond. Which mediums are your favorites to work in and why?
A. Yeah, I’ll take it all! But I really love watercolor. My natural tendency is to work really tight with tiny brushes or fine tipped pens and zero in on some particular detail. Watercolor forces me to let go of control and allow the medium to inject an innate, organic element that can only be controlled a little. I just love the way the pigment dries after the water evaporates. It’s so delicious!
Q. Could elaborate on your interest in detailed print and pattern?
A. I think this has been a subconscious interest that I am becoming more conscious of. Sometimes creating art that doesn’t have a particular focal point can be meditative, but sometimes I am just responding to the shapes I see around me and putting my own technicolor spin on it.
Q. Where do you currently reside and how does it affect your art?
A. I live in Brooklyn right now. It’s really inspiring to live in a place where so many people are putting full force effort into their goals. There is an exchange of information that happens here that is especially motivating. However, it totally blows for the part of me that needs outdoor time and fresh air. I try to get upstate or out of state as much as possible!
On a physical note, living here directly affects the scale that I’ve been working at. My studio is my table in our two-room apartment. There are a few projects that keep bubbling to the top of my mind, but space and the cost of space is a bit of a dilemma to execute some things right now. Spending so much time surrounded by concrete probably also fuels my naturey subject matter. There might be an element of escapism there. If I can’t physically be outdoors, at least I can channel mountain vibes through a painting.
Q. So how would you describe the connection between your artwork and nature? What activities do you enjoy doing outside that enhance this connection?
A. For me, the connection between nature and my artwork is a manifestation of my awe of this incredible world. I want to study it, explore it, and I want it to be around for everyone who comes after us to experience its glorious, undeveloped, unpillaged state. The beauty nature creates is outstanding, so many intricate patterns and curiosities.
I also like to reflect on nature objects and spaces, and think about the different ways they have been symbols or folkloric to our species throughout history. I was recently in Sequoia National Park and it got me thinking about the roles that forests have played in stories of folklore. For example, sometimes they would represent bone-shaking, unknown danger. In other tales, forests would represent magical environments that upon entering would be the catalyst for metamorphosis and resolution. It’s fun to do a little research into subject matters I find myself drawn to and compare these findings with my own perspective and experience.
I really love to experience nature through snowboarding, hiking deep into the backcountry, cycling and sport climbing.
Q. We originally discovered your work through NYC Bouldering. Could you tell us about your affiliation with them?
A. The NYC Bouldering guidebook was my first book design project. None of the climbing around Manhattan had ever been compiled into a physical book, so it was awesome to be on this team. My husband, the super talented François Lebeau, and I created the visual content.
Normally guidebooks are a compilation of many different photographers, so the fact that we had one cohesive style from François is really unique for a project like this. My role included organizing and proofreading text, drawing maps, and creating custom layouts for every spread of the 128-page book. My goal was to make it fit the gritty style of New York while providing accurate information, but create a fun object to flip through and hopefully encourage you to get out there and crush some city rock!
Q. Finally, are there any particular artists that you’re admiring these days?
A. Oh, so many! There are some amazing humans out there. Right now the one that is popping into my head is Pat Perry. I’m particularly crushing on his sketchbooks. Super intricate snapshots of his world. So damn good.
Illustrations by Anna Porreca
XX SYDNEY