We love this tissue box.

on Etsy here

I was drawn like a moth to the flame by the powerful, colourful and spiritual oil paintings by Brighton artist Annett Bank. They are awe-inspiring and joyful expressions of the female form, a celebration of the body and movement. The life force within her artwork is so compelling, it is as though the graceful forms on the canvas are literally dancing and leaping before your very eyes.

Annett’s motto is ‘to make the world a better place, by making oneself a better space…’ Her striking paintings have the ability to uplift and transform the dreariest of rooms, the dreariest of thoughts. They provide sensuality, spirituality and positive energy. Annett tells me that the figures in her paintings ‘simultaneously combine power with gentleness, and strength with feminine beauty’. The female form is truly revered in Annett’s art. The feminine is linked to life, power, joy and vibrancy. In an age where the female body is objectified daily, Annett presents the female form leaping, springing, literally vaulting themselves into the subject of the painting. Obliterating the idea of ‘women watch[ing] themselves being looked at’ -they are claiming the canvas and space as their own.

It is therefore not surprising that Annett’s paintings of expressive, graceful dancing figures have been the most popular. The images are lively, fresh and uplifting. You can view these and more on her website at www.annett-bank.co.uk or visit her studio (by appointment) in Brighton.

Taking inspiration from her favourite artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Schiele; Annett’s art is a fluid series of broad, emotive sweeps of colour, swirling brush strokes of vigour and vivacity.  Annett takes commissions, and has been asked to create triptychs to match the interior design of household rooms, and often is asked to paint single, romantic pieces.  Her style is fluid, flamboyant, feminine and very colourful. Her intuitive, free-flowing style enables Annett to create stunning pieces that will surely not disappoint.

Annett is currently working on 40 small pieces in 4 different sizes: 10cm x 10cm; 15cm x 15cm; 20cm x 20cm and 30cm x 30cm; all for a French gallery chain called Carré d’artistes (www.carredartistes.com) of which one branch is based in London. These new works will be available from around March 2011 onwards.

You can also view a video of Annett talking about her art for last year’s Brighton festival here:

http://www.annett-bank.co.uk/videos-of-my-exhibitions

Hannah Bradbury