1. At what age did you first notice being interested in art? Do you remember the first piece you ever made?

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I noticed my interest in art, as it felt like a natural extension of how I engaged with the world from a very young age. Surfaces, textures, and marks fascinated me as a child, and I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged this curiosity. Creativity was an inherent part of my upbringing—whether observing my parents’ resourcefulness or discovering how their adventures inspired them.

While I don’t recall my first-ever piece, I imagine it was something chaotic and abstract—a vibrant exploration of color or a whimsical arrangement of sticks and rocks in an unintentional pattern. My conscious awareness of art as a significant part of my identity began in high school. I had an inspiring art teacher whose humor and curriculum sparked my interest, motivating me to delve deeper into the world of art. It was during that time I realized art could be more than a hobby—it could be a lifelong pursuit

2. Do you have a ritual while creating? What does that look like?

I am very much a creature of habit in the studio, but my rituals are simple and grounding. My day begins with a cup of coffee, which I enjoy while easing into the creative space. Sometimes, this means sitting among the remnants of the previous day’s work, observing and reflecting. Other days, I dive straight into where I left off.

Open windows are a must—I love the movement of the trees, the shifting light, and the sounds of nature filtering into the studio. These elements connect me to the landscape and energize my process. As I work, I alternate between listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or a repeat of a favorite TV show. What I choose often depends on the mood of the day or the type of piece I’m working on.

3. What is your favorite part about creating a new piece?

My favorite part of creating a new piece is working on the horizon. The sky, to me, is one of the most captivating aspects of a landscape. Its vastness slows us down, inviting a moment of stillness before drawing attention to the smaller details of the foreground. Whether it’s the fluid movement of clouds or the serene gradients of color, the horizon provides endless opportunities to explore depth and atmosphere.

4. Your frames have always been perfectly paired to their images, often adding and elevating the mood of the painting. How do you decide which frames go with which pieces? Have you ever found a frame you loved so much that you created a new piece to go with it?

Pairing artworks with frames is always a satisfying part of the process. Lately, I’ve been drawn to incorporating vintage and thrifted frames into my smaller works—particularly gold or wooden ones sourced from antique shops, Etsy, or pre-loved on Facebook Marketplace.

Choosing the right frame often depends on the initial composition and color palette of the piece, as I strive to create harmony between the artwork and its presentation. On occasion, I have stumbled upon a frame so stunning that it entirely redirected my creative process, inspiring a new work to complement it. For my larger-scale or round (tondo) paintings, however, I tend to stick to classic float frames in walnut or black. Those feel timeless—my personal “chef’s kiss.”

5. When looking to add new pieces to your own home, what do you look for?

I love collecting artwork from fellow artists—it’s a way to surround myself with pieces that carry unique perspectives and stories. My collection spans paintings, sculptures, and more, which I rotate regularly to keep my space feeling fresh and inspiring. I’m particularly drawn to works that feel surreal or sensual, ones that spark conversation.

When not adding other artists’ creations, I gravitate toward objects that blend mid century with English Renaissance influences. But perhaps the most cherished collection in my home is our ceramic mug wall—a display of handcrafted coffee mugs from artists I admire. These functional artworks hold a special place in our daily rituals

6. What do you think you would be doing in another life had you not been an artist?

I often imagine what other paths I might have taken. In another life, I like to think I would have pursued one of my other passions: botany, geology, or contracting. Each represents a different way of engaging with the natural world or building something meaningful—much like art does for me now.

Britta Anderson, interviewed by Andie