We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful F.J. Anderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with F.J. below.
F.J., thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Interacting with nature and spending time with my family are essential to keeping my creativity alive. Whether I’m in the ocean, tending to the garden, or camping in the Sierras, these moments nourish my work. Growing up by the ocean has been a true blessing, and its ever-changing nature continues to inspire me. Most of my paintings are ocean-inspired, and I’m constantly amazed by how each day is different—shaped by the lighting, the atmosphere, and the energy of the water. Recently, my 3-year-old daughter has become a significant source of inspiration. Her boundless curiosity and wonder remind me to approach life with fresh eyes and a renewed sense of creativity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been lucky to grow up in a beautiful place surrounded by creative friends and family. I stayed close to home, earning my undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz before pursuing a master’s in science illustration. As my work began to gain attention, it snowballed from there. Currently, I’m working on a few different series. The first offers a first-person perspective of being immersed in the waves and ocean. The second captures the view from the shoreline, looking out toward the sea. My third series is more abstract and experimental, but still deeply inspired by the ocean. Growing up in Santa Cruz has always felt like a gift, and I hope my work provides others with a perspective of the ocean that not everyone gets to experience.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity: I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and its ever-changing cycles. This curiosity inspires my work and drives me to explore the rhythms of nature in my paintings. Patience: My process is slow and methodical, as I build up my paintings in thin layers. There are always moments when a piece feels like it’s in an “ugly stage,” but I’ve learned to trust that with time, most of them come together. Some shows are more successful than others, but I’ve come to realize that patience is crucial, both in my art and in life.
Experimentation: I embrace experimentation and love trying new techniques. Whether it’s using brushes, rags, or even my fingers to apply paint, I’m not afraid to take risks. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s all part of the creative process.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I owe much of my inspiration to my grandma, an artist herself, who always made sure to give me art supplies for my birthdays and Christmas. I was also fortunate to have incredible teachers growing up, as well as a supportive circle of family and friends who encouraged me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: fjartwork.com
- Instagram: @fjartwork
Image Credits
F.J. Anderson
