Hello Dear Anne-Kristin Vaudour. Thank you for giving us the chance to Interview with you. Our first question is how the “Quarantine” affects your art?
I’ve spent most of the Covid 19 period in Hong Kong and recently in Singapore. Both countries were striving for a 0 -Covid policy with tough restrictions, especially when re-entering the country, which discouraged many people from travelling. However, since my mother is very unwell back in Germany, I continued to travel and several times, I had to stay in hotel quarantine, confined to a hotel room for 2 weeks. I am not good with being enclosed in a small space for an extended time. But luckily I had my art as an escape. As an artist, you can travel with your fantasy. I am not sure if these periods of quarantine have influenced my art but I certainly had the opportunity to dig deep into my subconscious mind.
What do you like most about being an artist?
It’s something I always wanted to do but only had the opportunity to dedicate myself to about 3 years ago. I have bottled up so many ideas that I can finally manifest on paper (or canvas etc). That feels quite liberating.
Art is communication. While painting, I have the sensation of learning a new language that allows me to connect on a visual level with whoever wants to get involved with my artistic expressions.
On a practical note, I love the independence (in all aspects), the creative process and listening to audio books or podcasts while I draw.
Since you have a certain theme on your Imperial Eyewear Collection, would you like to tell us how you came up with this amazing idea and what you wanted to tell us with them?
Digging in history is one of my passions. I am always on the hunt to uncover a mystery, secrets or a hidden story. Some historic portraits have a very special fascination for me. I study them in great detail, with attention to the dress, jewellery and accessories. Furthermore, I research the background of the portrayed person, especially if that person is rather unknown. Every time it’s such an interesting journey back in time.
Sunglasses are an essential part of our wardrobe these days. But the use of sunglasses as a fashion statement started not earlier than in the 1940’s and 50’s.
In my Imperial Eyewear collection, I asked myself the question, what if the extravagant aristocracy of the past, who spent an extraordinary amount of money on their dress, hat or jewellery to underline their status, would have had access to modern day manufacturing of sunglasses? Or better, what if the idea of today’s eyewear fashion would have existed?
So I started to imagine to be the creator of eccentric eyewear for Marie Antoinette, Maria Theresa, Nefertiti, Giacomo Casanova and other fashion icons in history. I carefully took into consideration their personal style and wardrobe to represent a most authentic look.
What memorable responses have you had for your work?
I haven’t shown the Imperial Eyewear collection publicly yet, only to friends. One of my friends is very fascinated by the reflected image that’s visible in some of the glasses. I decided to have an additional narrative in some paintings by having something reflected in the glasses that relates to the person portrayed or to the moment of portraiture. I am glad she figured that out and she always watches out for the next creation to see what’s in the reflection. Others said it would be cool to have some of the eyewear produced, which could be an interesting thing to do.
Can you give us a spoiler on what’s coming next for Anne-Kristin Vaudour?
I am currently very fascinated with scientific illustrations that document the adventures of the victorian age. I study rare plants, creatures that live very deep in the sea and deep under the earth. It’s so fascinating. There is so much to uncover if we open our eyes to these wonders.
My new project will be a journey of marvel and discovery for the treasures of our earth.
https://www.instagram.com/annekristinvaudour/
https://www.instagram.com/imperial.eyewear/
http://marvelousartgallery.com/