Anastasia Andersen

Artist Statement

“During the Covid lockdown, I began creating mixed media drawings to document the pandemic and the new rules of society - masks.  Since I was unable to visit family and friends, I asked folks to take some selfies (masked) and send them electronically.  While drawing, I would modify the selfies to "standardize" the series (e.g. each drawing has a loosely drawn black border; a part of each face breaks the border to add movement to the portrait).  I also unified all backgrounds using blue to honor the beautiful blue skies of New Mexico.  Drawing the series also felt like a way for me to spend time with, and "visit," friends and family during lockdown.” 

I used a mix of materials to create these drawings including: pencil, colored pencils, watercolor markers, inks, acrylic paint, Posca pen, Sharpie markers, and occasionally collage.