An Inspired Chat with Annie Clavel of Long Beach, California

Annie Clavel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Annie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Every day is different, yet each one is filled with thoughts about art. Sometimes I reflect on the series I’m working on; other times I decide whether to drive to Los Angeles for an opening reception or to visit a museum. Usually, though, I begin my morning by reading the news, then attending a gym class. If time allows, I paint in the morning and continue in the afternoon. Toward the end of the day, I take a walk on the beach, and in the evening I read—either novels or popular science books.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a painter and a mathematician. I don’t like numbers but I love theories and picture them in color, shapes, light and movement. Theories are worlds where I like to wander, inventing moments, emotions, and stories. My colorful surfaces depict a universe of fantasies where abstraction might be side by side with figuration. Colors and transparency evoke dreamlike effects.
I am presently working on a series of watercolors on YUPO inspired by the French painter Georges Mathieu, who was one of the pioneers in the movement “Abstraction Lyrique” in Paris in the sixties.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My brother, seven years older than me, loved to tease me, and it usually ended with me in tears. But one lunchtime, when the whole family was gathered around the table, things turned out differently. As he started in on me again, I lost my patience and hurled a piece of banana I had in my hand. To everyone’s surprise, it landed right on the rim of his glasses and stuck there. He was furious, and I couldn’t help but relish the sweet victory of finally stopping him.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me tenacity.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I was raised by my parents and my school with a deep awareness of a uniquely French principle known as laïcité. It is often translated as ‘secularism,’ but in the French context it has a more specific meaning: the separation of religion and the state. While ‘secularism’ is the closest English equivalent, laïcité places greater emphasis on neutrality, equality among all beliefs, and keeping religion out of the public sphere.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I would have loved to be an architect…

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Image Credits
credit to Annie Clavel

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