Meet Anna Abramzon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Abramzon.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My parents and I came to the United States are refugees from what was then the Soviet Union when I was seven years old. Leaving the Soviet Union was not easy. We had to say excruciating goodbyes to my grandparents, friends and other family, not knowing if we would ever see each other again. Then we boarded a train of which the exiles were only allowed in one car. It was so full even the nets on ceiling which were meant for luggage had people in them. The rest of the train was empty, but we were not allowed to spread out. One of my earliest memories is my father’s face against the window of the train and being terrified that he was suffocating. We landed in Chicago after spending months living in refugee housing in Austria and Italy, with nothing but two suitcases and the clothes on our backs.

My family moved around a lot when I was young as they were trying to build their life in a new country and I was always the “new kid with a weird accent” in school. Very quickly, I learned to lean on art as my secret weapon. I couldn’t speak English when I arrived, but I could always draw – art became my way of telling stories and making friends.

I got my BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. It was there that I started processing my immigrant childhood and translating it into art. In my work, you can see shadows of that train ride, and of many other experiences of that time. To this day, painting and drawing is my way of exploring and reflecting on the world, and of telling stories. Since art school, I have lived all over the country and abroad. Each new place inspires me and adds its voice to my art. I am incredibly lucky to have a community of collectors all over the world who allow me to live my dream of being a working artist.

Please tell us about your art.
I paint and draw, usually on paper, vacillating between figurative expressionism and realism.
My work is all about people and their stories. My paintings celebrate the joy and beauty of life in the face of struggle. For generations, my family was persecuted in the Soviet Union for being Jews. That history and collective memory informs my work. I am inspired by the fact that despite all the tragedy in Jewish history, our tradition is all about gratitude, joy, humor, and celebrating life. My work explores the concept of home and belonging, and the unique ability of the human spirit to triumph in the face of tragedy. In today’s troubled world, I feel like this conversation is more relevant than ever.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I can definitely relate to this – it is hard to be in a studio alone all day without becoming a bit of a recluse. But becoming a recluse is a dangerous proposition, because we can’t create relevant art in a bubble. Plus, it is lonely! I recommend making artist friends and having regular artist dates with them. Instagram has been a wonderful way for me to find and meet local artists. It’s such a treat to spend time with people who share your passion. If you are an artist in LA, DM me on Instagram! I would love to connect.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can connect with me on Instagram @annaabramzonart — I am always so excited to connect with new people. You can see more work and shop my collections on my website www.annaabramzon.com. If you sign up for my mailing list, you get early access to collection launches.

I am always looking for new opportunities for collaboration and connection. I am all about community and getting out of the studio (and my own head) and into the world! So if you have ideas, thoughts, or just want to grab a coffee and talk shop, DM me on IG.

In addition to original art, I also make a wide range of Jewish ritual heirloom products, including ketubahs (fine art wedding certificates). You can check them out www.aaketubah.com.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.annaabramzon.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/annaabramzonart
• Facebook: facebook.com/annaabramzonstudio
• Other: www.aaketubah.com

Image Credit:
The “personal photo” as well as images 2 and 3 (the one at the easel and the one standing next to the easel) in the second batch photo credit Michelle Feileacan Photography michellefphoto.com

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