All Illustrations by Anna Wacholder
Both clinically simple yet immaculately detailed, Anna Wacholder’s design aesthetic is comprised of bold forms and clean lines that combine to dynamic effect. Her drawings, predominantly human-centric, aim to capture the spirit and movement of her subjects. Wacholder talks to DASH Online ahead of her debut in the upcoming Autumn / Winter 2014 issue of DASH Magazine.
Anna, could you describe your artistic process please. How do you approach an illustration?
Actually, I’ve always been a quick drawer. If I see an object I like, which is usually a person, no matter if they’re real or digital, I’ll draw them. Normally I take my fountain pen and draw the outlines, which never takes longer than ten minutes. I’ve never sketched with pencil before, ink takes far less time. I also scan a lot of things, like paper, found objects or textiles and I use them in my collages. I like to mix them with old footage I’ve found on my computer.
Where do you find inspiration?
I’m inspired by the people I see in the streets or on the metro; I often catch myself staring at them for a long time and have to remind myself to be a little more discrete so that they don’t feel observed! But I can’t stop it, it feels like I’m drawing in my head without a pen. I’m fascinated by the diversity of the people I encounter on my daily commute; the way they look, their walk, their behaviour in general. Sometimes I can capture it with just one sketch or line. I was hesitant to draw in public when I first started out because I was afraid of failing, but I don’t care as much anymore as I know that good results depend on your daily constitution and surroundings.
How do you think your education in Weimar has shaped your design aesthetic?
I think Weimar has influenced me greatly. I was and still am totally in love with the city. Its historical art significance, particularly in the Bauhaus movement, has been integral in defining the modern city and gives it a magical quality that I can’t quite describe in words. I’ve been lucky enough to be taught by some great graphic designers like Mario Lombardo, Nicolas Bourquin and Thibaud Tissaud, and classes are very small so I learnt a lot in a short period of time. I would have loved to continue my education in Weimar but for personal reasons I moved to Vienna. I don’t regret it – Vienna is wonderful.
Are there any specific illustrators / artists whose work you admire?
I would say Egon Schiele was the first artist who truly inspired me. I had to write an extract about him at school and was overwhelmed by the power and expression in his work. There are also a few street artists like Herakut that inspired me. My Grandpa is also a source of inspiration for me. He would draw fantastic illustrations for my siblings and I when we were young despite, as a farm hand, not having much connection to the art world. But my main reason for drawing is my mother’s best friend who showed me how art can enrich your life. When I’m lacking in motivation, I often think of her and am reminded why I started illustrating in the first place: joy.
Interview: Robbie Hodges
