Anne Coe shares thoughts on regional art and her connection to the Sonoran Desert.
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A fourth generation Arizonan, Coe was raised on a ranch in a remote part of the state where she developed a close affinity for the land. She later studied in Europe and Latin America, receiving her Master of Fine Arts degree at Arizona State University in 1980. Active as a professional painter for over twenty years, Coe has combined her artistic endeavors with a keen involvement with environmental activism during the span of her career. Initiating the Superstition Area Land Trust, she has been a major force in over seven regional and national environmental groups, focusing on everything from the introduction of the Mexican wolf to protecting the future of thousands of acres of State Trust Land.
Coe’s early paintings were humorous and comic-book styled. Over the years, her paintings evolved from lighthearted whimsy (such as radioactive, mutant Gila monsters destroying the world in retaliatory rage) to more mature works with a confidence of message and style. Throughout her artistic development, her commitment to change through art has remained constant. Painterly technique, strong narrative content, and the refreshing element of humor are all aspects of Coe’s work that make it so compelling and accessible.
Receiving widespread recognition for her paintings, Coe has been included in over 100 exhibitions at such institutions as Whitney Museum of Western Art, Cody, Wyoming; Centro de Arte Moderna, Guadalajara, Mexico; Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana; Bruce Museum, Greenwich, Connecticut; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.; Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Georgia; and California State University, Fullerton, California. She currently lives in Apache Junction, Arizona, and travels extensively.
– Julie Sasse, Chief Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Tucson Museum of Art
Additional Audio: Anne Coe shares thoughts on the grief process and her work, including “Grief and Transcendence.”
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Additional Audio: Anne Coe muses on the role of the artist in today’s society.
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Additional Audio: Anne Coe shares her thoughts on conservation, and the inspiration that led her to her work with the Superstition Land Trust.
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images courtesy of the artist
If you’d like to see more of Anne Coe’s work, visit www.annecoe.com or Scottsdale’s Larsen Gallery.
If you’d like to learn more about The Superstition Land Trust, co-founded by conservationist Anne Coe, visit http://www.azsalt.org/.
Beautiful artwork.It’s nice to know Arizona has such a plethora of extremely talented, down to earth people, such as yourself. Thank you.
Aaron Eversole
P.S. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone describe painting what they hear before,but it makes perfect sense.Well put.
Since I was first introduced to Anne’s work in the early 90’s I have remained enchanted with it and with her. Truly a unique talent and person!
Ann I’m thrilled to hear your story, always thought you were the real deal. I was in the art dept. at ASU when you were–Women’s Movement and all that! I also think my inspiration for all of my life, comes from a connection to the land.
As a storyteller I could listen to this piece a dozen times and still be amazed by the depth of your love for Arizona. As a native I am constantly trying to explain my affection for my state and I completely agree with your disappointment…A seaport would have been perfect! Great work!
I’ve seen Ms. Coe’s work before and it has always captured me. One cannot help but stop, slow down, and ponder when seeing it. Thank you for highlighting her and her work. An important artist such as she is deserve to be seen and heard!
Glad you feel so strongly about her work, Cyndy! She is, indeed, an AZ treasure!
Good blogging!