Anna Swan is a painter and elementary art teacher, and owner of Demi + Olive. Anna is inspired by nature and loves color, texture and patterns, which are reflected in her art.
Tell us a little more about you.
I am an Austin based painter, crafter, mom to one, and art and early childhood teacher to kiddos. I hold a BFA from Texas State University in studio art/textiles and am a 200/hr RYT hatha yoga and kids’ yoga instructor. I teach kids’ yoga + art workshops and classes. I love handmade art and design. Local galleries, boutiques, and minted.com have featured my work. I welcome small to large commissions in multiple mediums, including acrylic painting, watercolor, lettering, and mixed media collage.
I created Demi + Olive Handmade in 2012. Demi + Olive highlights my passion for making kids’ rooms extra special. I make personalized collages, hand-crafted décor and crafts. I also offer interior design help for baby nurseries and playrooms.
What interested you in painting and screen printing?
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I worked in an art gallery on South Congress after college and that is when I really started painting and making/selling work in boutiques. That is also when I started a business called Margret Helene Design with another artist/friend Brenna Byerlotzer in 2005. We learned how to screen print from a local poster and tee shirt screen printer who taught us how to make screens from our original drawings and do large scale printing.
We collaborated on designs and started printing and sewing our own duvet covers and pillow cases. We also made tee shirts and prints on paper which we sold in boutiques in the Austin area. We have participated in the EAST Austin Studio tour since 2006 as well as other shows/markets while we had the screen printing business. I had a daughter in 2010 and then two years later I created Demi + Olive Handmade where I paint and make paper designs. My most recent shows were Renegade Craft Fair and then the Austin Craft Riot (Summer Show).
What inspires you?
Right now: color, pattern, quotes and words, nature, interior design, travel, children’s art, illustration.
What other hobbies do you have?
Yoga, cooking, animals.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Do your work and your craft with love. Don’t give up, always keep going.
Interview published August, 2015
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