Today we are celebrating a wonderful multimedia artist currently living in Pennsylvania, USA. Anissa is currently completing her MFA in Ceramics. I actually learned about Anissa through a textile exchange initiative in a Facebook group – the idea was to send other artists a small piece of fabric or textile to inspire creativity. I received some funky samples from Anissa – and used them later in a quilt. Since becoming friends on Facebook, I have had the delight of following her work – which is both skilled and provoking. Anissa is currently working on her thesis project:
The Safety Project examines how binary thinking influences the availability and distribution of safety information within our society. I will be asking members of my community to respond to several questions about safety on pieces of fabric. After collecting responses for a span of six months, I will sew all the swatches of fabric into two quilts. These two “safety blankets” will be divided based on whether participants were socialized as male or female. Displayed side by side during my thesis exhibition in spring 2025, they will showcase the imbalance of safety information that is taught based on perceived gender.
Follow the project on Instagram: @the_safetyproject
1. What is your earliest memory of doing something artistic?
My earliest memory of doing something artistic was when I was in preschool. I remember we read a book about Georgia O’Keefe and her paintings of flowers. Following the reading, we did an art project based on O’Keeffe’s artwork. The assignment involved painting flower petals and arranging them in a circle, then adding pom-poms to the center to resemble her iconic poppy flowers. I vividly remember the thought and care I put into selecting colors that mirrored those in her painting – shades of red, orange, and yellow. The finished piece is still proudly displayed in a shadowbox frame at my parents’ house.
2. What mediums do you use, and do you have a favourite?
I have experience working with a wide range of materials, such as glass, wood, metal, found objects, paint, ink, and more. Currently, I am focused on working with clay and fibers, but I don’t have a specific favorite material. For me, the most important aspect is bringing my ideas to life, regardless of the material involved.
3. Tell me about your studio, and how much time you spend in it.
I am currently in grad school getting my MFA in ceramics, so I have the fortunate luxury of getting to go to a private studio every day with access to materials and facilities 24/7. I spend about 60 hours a week either in my studio or in class. In the past, I used to dedicate more time, around 70-80 hours, to my art practice. However, I have come to realize the importance of taking breaks and having days off for my overall well-being. Once I graduate, I anticipate having to strike a balance between work and creating, which will most likely result in spending less time in the studio. I am actually looking forward to this change, as school has been quite stressful, so taking a break and slowing down my production for a while will be a welcome relief!
Various works by Anissa White, Copyright Anissa White
4. What are some items in your studio that you can’t live without?
Snacks! I have so many snacks in my studio because otherwise I will spend all day there and forget to eat. It’s also much more convenient than having to leave campus or order delivery while I’m in the middle of a creative flow.
5. We’ve often heard the idea that you have to be a “suffering artist” to make great art. Do you think this is true? Can we make art from a place of great joy and ease?
I think we can absolutely make amazing art from a place of great joy and ease, however, my personal journey has been different. I have faced challenges such as being sexually assaulted and leaving traumatic relationships. Through opening myself up to expressing my pain and vulnerability, my artwork began resonating with others in ways I never thought possible. I don’t believe that artists must endure a life of suffering to make an impact, but I know that for me, those experiences shaped me into the artist I am today. Whether it be joy or sorrow that fuels our creativity, it is that raw, unfiltered emotion and authenticity that breathes life into our work, turning it into something truly beautiful and meaningful.
6. What are the things that challenge you, as an artist?
The biggest challenges I face are managing expectations and advocating for myself. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with autism, which has brought many improvements to my life such as understanding my needs and how I work best. However, I struggle with being a perfectionist and comparing myself to others. I often have an inner voice telling me that I am not good enough or not working hard enough.
I am learning to be more forgiving of myself and to appreciate my own unique journey. I understand now that there is no one set path to success, and the important thing is the progress I make along the way, rather than reaching certain milestones based on others’ achievements.
As I continue to develop in both my work and personal life, I am finding it easier to ask for help, although it is still a challenge for me. I am fortunate to have understanding colleagues and peers who are always willing to assist me, whether it is with physical tasks or simply offering a listening ear during stressful times. I know that I will continue to work on these skills for a long time, but I am grateful that I am becoming more aware of when I need help or when I need rest. I understand that taking care of myself is just as important as creating.
7. Who are the artists that YOU follow?
I admire and am greatly inspired by Tanya Aguiñiga’s social justice art and the work she does along the Mexican/U.S. border. I absolutely love the work that Marissa Childers makes. She creates beautiful handmade ceramics with delicate floral designs paired with lush textures; it’s absolutely stunning! I also love Matthew Dercole’s sculptures for their seamless marrying of many materials and consistent nature themes throughout. I highly recommend checking out their work!
8. What is the best advice you have ever received as an artist?
When I was working in South Florida, around 2018, I had the opportunity to teach ceramic workshops in a small studio. I would often receive commissions from students or visitors to the shop. I remember one particular instance when a surgeon requested a sculpture of a heart for his home. I felt quite nervous at the thought of creating something for someone who works with actual hearts, and I experienced a moment of self-doubt. However, a friend of mine offered some wise advice. They reminded me to create work that would make my high school art teacher proud. This sentiment has stayed with me ever since. I thought she would be very pleased with that heart, and so was the surgeon when he came to pick it up!
My high school art teacher was a significant influence in my life. She was my first artist mentor, fostered my passion for the arts and always encouraged me to take on new challenges. I believe that she would also be proud of the work I am creating today.
9. Do you have any “Stretch Goals” or ways that you want to express yourself that you haven’t tried yet?
I have set two personal goals for myself that I am striving to achieve. The first goal is to have the opportunity to be featured on the cover of Sculpture Magazine or Ceramics Monthly. It would be truly amazing to see my work showcased in such a prominent way.
My second goal involves setting up a scholarship fund to support neurodivergent students who are pursuing higher education in the arts. This is very important to me because I personally benefited from scholarships that allowed me to pursue my bachelor’s degree. I believe that giving back to students who share my passion for the arts is a way for me to express my gratitude for the support I received. I am hopeful that one day I will be able to make a difference in the lives of students who have the same drive and commitment to the arts that I do.
10. Where can we find your work?
I am currently only on Instagram @anissawhiteart. I am working on developing a website, but it is slow going. Please feel free to reach out on Insta, check out my page and say hi!
Art of Small Things 