An Inspired Chat with Anne Kullaf of Society Hill

We recently had the chance to connect with Anne Kullaf and have shared our conversation below.

Anne , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I am a professional fine artist. I earn my living from sales of my paintings, teaching workshops and classes in the US and abroad, teaching online, and writing about creating and collecting art. It is a full time job and then some!

A lot of people don’t understand that the amount of work that goes into being an artist is the same as what goes into running any type of small business. There is a whole lot more than painting happening in my studio. There is social media, marketing, advertising, strategic planning, networking, accounting, and lots of other items that are necessary to keep things running smoothly and successfully.

Pricing is another area of confusion, many people don’t understand that even if you aren’t a famous artist, original artwork is not inexpensive to acquire. A one of a kind original painting requires the highest grade of materials to produce properly, and takes a lot of time and experience. I have chosen to focus on the quality and craftsmanship that goes into art that will become part of a family’s legacy. I work with clients who want to commemorate and capture moments that are special to them. I put this philosophy into effect whether I am painting a commission or a painting for my own exhibition portfolio.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been a professional fine artist for over 25 years, I specialize in oil paintings of flowers and landscapes painted in a style that can be described as a combination of classic realism and contemporary expressionism.

Recently, I have been working on a new series of plein air landscape paintings of historic Philadelphia green spaces. Washington Square Park, Rittenhouse Square, Independence Mall, and other local parks have been my outdoor painting studios this past summer and fall. I plan to release the series formally later this month.

I find the landscape of Philadelphia to be very inspiring because of its long history as a gardening and botanical center. This combined with the historic architecture creates a setting that feels almost European in nature. It is this feeling that I try to capture in my paintings of the city, an Old World atmosphere filled with brick buildings and gardens bathed in sunlight.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think the things that divide us most in the current time are political or religious in nature. This is a division that can’t be avoided, but I also believe that things like art, music, and nature can bring people together. Art, music, and nature are things we all enjoy and can take part in no matter what our political or religious beliefs are.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to have more confidence that things were going to work out in my chosen career. I always worried that I wouldn’t be able to support myself as a fine artist, and I have proved over and over that that simply is not the case. I would encourage myself to focus only on doing the best work I possibly can, and not worrying to much about finances and making ends meet.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! Authenticity has always been very important to me. My work is authentic, I only paint things that I am inspired to paint. I don’t like pretense, and that’s one of the reasons social media feels really bothersome to me at times. I try to make my public posts about my work and creative process, instead of just showing myself doing glamorous things that really are not all that glamourous.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
You have to live your life authentically. A lot of people design their lives around others’ expectations. In order to live your best life, you have to do what is important to YOU. You can’t choose a career or a lifestyle to please others.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo of artist – Bailey Ashlynn Photography

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