If great art is centered on vision, then Annie Preece is a visionary. Becoming a street artist at a very young age, Preece has always channeled that creativity into her imaginative projects. She has created a diverse collection of amazing art. We were able to ask her about her art in this exclusive interview:


Who were your biggest influences?

When I first started painting I didn’t really know of any big artists.  I just picked up a paintbrush and painted the fucked up images in my head.  My style is very unique and different because I had no influence. Today though one of my biggest influences or favorite artists I should say is Wayne White.

When did you discover you had an amazing talent?

On my 27th birthday a friend bought me a bunch of canvases and paint.  I had never picked up a paintbrush before, so I had no idea what I was doing.  I painted nine really shitty weird paintings and displayed them at the the coffee shop I was working at because the the artist that was supposed to show that month flaked.  I was very scared to hang my paintings at first because I was afraid of what people would think of them, then I was like “fuck what people think,” and hung them. I sold them all in a month.  It was crazy.  I had no idea I could paint and that people would actually buy something that I created. I started to paint more. I was so poor I couldn’t even afford canvases, so I went around to all of the coffee shops, stores, salons, farmers market, anywhere where I could sell my paintings and any money I would make would go right back to supplies.  The rest is kind of history.  I just never stopped hustling.

How long did it take you to transform the Porsche? What was the motivation behind this riveting piece?

I thought the Porsche would take five days; well five days turned into three weeks.  I was using a paint I had never used before that was made for metal surfaces.  It was like painting with glue.  The Porsche was a giant pain in the ass, honestly.  It’s inspired by Janis Joplin’s old Porsche, so I had to do a lot of referencing to do, then add my twist.  It was during the hottest days of the summer that I had painted that and every day I wanted to to just say “fuck it.”  It was the hardest piece I had ever worked on, but it is by far my favorite piece.  I mean, not many people can say they painted an acid trip on a vintage Porsche.

If you had to describe your Art using a song, what song would it be?

I’m more of a canvas gallery artist than a “street artist.” I don’t know about a song, but I can describe it as a movie.  I’m just Forest Gumping, man.  I have no idea what I’m painting or what I’m doing half the time, but it always seems to work out.  I’ve gotten some amazing opportunities.  It’s like I have a lucky horse shoe up my ass.

 

What project are you most proud of?

I think the protect I’m most proud of right now is the competition TV show “Street-Art Throwdown” that I was on. It’s the first ever street-art reality competition show to be aired on TV.  I had to do a lot of stuff that I’m unfamiliar with and that I’ve never done before.  Not to mention that I had to do it all in a matter of hours.  But, I hung in there.  It airs February 3 at 9pm on the the Oxygen Network.

 

What piece of advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Self promote, self promote, self promote.

What’s Next?

The premiere of Street Art Throwdown, [and my] solo show in April at LAB ART Dallas are my biggest.  I get offered jobs every week, so who knows.  I spend most of my days doing commissioned work.


 

Now, as one of the most uniquely talented artists in a vibrant L.A. art scene, Preece continues to challenge herself, connect with art lovers, and inspire creativity in aspiring artists. One of the hardest elements of creating art is maintaining passion and inspiration.

Preece is definitely full of both, and we can’t wait to see the art that she inspires us all with next.

anniepreece.com/
facebook.com/AnniePreeceArtwork

 

Video Credit: Subtitle Productions &  AJ Morales