Annie Soudain trained at Canterbury College of Art. Her main craft has always been lino-printing, in which she employs four different techniques; her second craft is wax-resist painting on silk, using fabric dyes. Annie draws her inspiration from the play of light on landscape and other natural forms.
What art techniques/style do you use and why?
At the moment I am concentrating on cutting and printing linoblocks, but I
also paint in gouache.
How and what about the High Weald landscape and its features or materials inspires you?
I like everything about the High Weald, particularly the shapes of the hills and woods, the plants that grow there, and the patterns of birds against the landscape.
Is there a special place where you like to do your art?
I have a studio in my house where I work at a large table. My printing press is in the garage.
Were you good at art at school? What did your teachers say?
I have always loved drawing and painting and was invariably encouraged by my teachers.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I hadn't planned to become an artist, although I did spend a lot of time on art at school, particularly in my free time in the 6th form; I meant to be a children's nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
How did you become an artist?
My art teacher asked me if I had ever considered going to art school, and I decided I should really like to.
What do you like most about being an artist?
I have always used my training, whether helping at play schools, teaching in senior and junior schools, or designing all sorts of decors - again, mainly for schools. Now I have stopped teaching; I am simply concentrating on my own work and exhibiting more. It has been a constantly interesting career.
What is your artist tip for local children?
Always carry a small sketch book with you in which you can quickly draw things and write colour notes to remind you of what you have seen.
How did the pictures you have supplied for the website come about?
'Bluebell dell' (linoprint): Here I was fascinated by the early-morning
light.
'Dusk' (gouache) - The setting sun touched everything with a special glow.