The Ancient Dictionary Collage

Anne Sutherlin Lives and works in Denver, Colorado. I am captivated by old, worn, cast-off elements, each with its own unique history. I combine these in an almost alchemical process to create new works that reflect a shared story. The tactile appeal of found papers, objects, and even my own monoprints fascinates me. These elements, having lived their own lives, seem to possess agency in my collages. Oddly, I rarely begin with a concept; instead, I act as a conduit for the voices of these materials. Shutting off controlling impulses allows the work to flow. My neurodiverse brain plays a significant role in my artistic journey. It lets me perceive the world through a unique lens, forging connections and patterns others might miss. I was late-diagnosed with ADHD at 58. Looking back, I see how my visual brain has guided my creativity from a young age. As a child, I crafted creations from found materials alongside traditional painting and paper crafts. I vividly remember building a model of Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki raft from daylily stalks and dental floss. At age13, during a summer program at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, I forgot to bring an object for a pottery project. My quick solution was a Dark Holder fashioned from clay, claiming I had brought "dark" in my pocket. I received an A- and a skeptical look from my teacher. In my artistic journey, I embrace serendipity and spontaneity, allowing the materials to guide me. My neurodiverse perspective infuses my art with a distinctive and profound outlook.