Life & Work with Anna Petersen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Petersen.

Hi Anna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As far as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make things. I grew up in a family of creative people, surrounded by music and art, so it wasn’t much of a surprise when I showed interest in the arts as well. I always felt clever using whatever material I had on hand to create something new. I can recall being in first grade and making a bowl of fruit out of paper or stripping out the wire from a bunch of twist-ties to make earrings when I was twelve.

Some might say I have a bad habit of collecting junk that others would throw out, but I can’t pass it up if I can envision using it in some way. I chose to attend the Columbus College of Art & Design after trudging through high school. It was there that I truly discovered the joy of using my hands. I followed the path of Fine Arts and signed up for as many different classes as I could to study a broad variety of techniques and mediums. I never liked the idea of focusing on one area of study. Too many interesting things to try!

After graduating, I set my sights on amassing my arsenal of tools to continue learning and making. I began working with a company called Optic Nerve Art where I expanded my knowledge in mural work, faux finishes, and three-dimensional design on a large-scale, professional level. I attended workshops at Penland School of Crafts in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other creative people and had a hand in many installations around the country as well as here in my city, including Ben Sloan’s Percussion Park at Price Hill Will, Intermedio’s “Twist” installation on Court Street, and Team B’s stall fabrication for Sen at Findlay Market.

I’ve branded my own company called Petersen Crafts through which I create furniture and another home decor. I do my utmost to marry form and function because I’m drawn to things that are aesthetically pleasing while also serving a purpose. My design choices lean towards clean and linear and I execute them through the processes of welding and woodworking. Currently, I’m translating all my skills into my work as Technical Director for the theatre department of Milford High School, for which my husband David Derringer is the Drama teacher and director of their productions.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t believe anyone takes their journey without incident. I’ve been blessed with people in my life who support me wholeheartedly and can see the value of my work, but that doesn’t stop me from having self-doubt. Every artist is their own worst critic. I often feel that I’m capable of so much more and fear that I’m not living up to my potential. There have been quite a few times when I faced impostor syndrome while working on a project because I didn’t feel I was qualified despite all my previous experience.

During a year-end review at CCAD, I was told I was wasting my time and money by being there because I said I wasn’t sure I wanted to be an artist for a living. All that can do a number on your self-worth. While I do feel more confident in my abilities and feel like I’m finally taking steps in the direction I want to go, I still have my moments of uncertainty. I’m working on trusting the process and focusing on the joy of the craft.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I fully embody the phrase “A jack of all trades, master of none…”. Because I never did find my niche in the art world, I always tell people that I’m good at a lot of things but not great at anything in particular. I have pride in my versatility as an artist. I’m a firm believer that everything you learn can be carried forward and be of use in any future endeavor, whether it’s related to the craft or not.

My ten years in the restaurant industry gave me a lot of patience and boosted my creative problem-solving. My studies in psychology altered the way I view art in relation to the human experience. My addiction to The Sims growing up tailored my tastes in interior design and decor. In the end, I think all the things I do and create are generally for the sake of other people.

Most of my pieces end up being gifts for someone else, a specific commission, or a job for another company. It’s only recently with Petersen Crafts that I’ve started making these furniture pieces because I like them. It’s the first time I’ve begun to work with the intent to sell and it feels good. While my initial sales were to family and friends, I currently have the wonderful opportunity to have some of my pieces up for sale in a new gallery space called Capacity Contemporary Exchange in Louisville, Kentucky, and I’m certainly proud of that!

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
That’s entirely too difficult of a question to answer. Childhood was a delight, but if I had to pick one memory, it would be our family vacation at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. We spent many summers there and it’s hard to describe the tranquility of this place. It’s a charming gated community that’s dedicated to the arts. It sits on a beautiful lake and the buildings are old and full of character.

There’s no motor traffic and it’s so quiet, broken only by the chime from the bell tower. We’d spend our days walking around, visiting the bookstore or ice cream parlor, fishing and swimming at the lake, or catching a performance at the amphitheater. They offer all sorts of classes in art, music, and overall well-being. There’s no place like it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.petersencrafts.com/
• Instagram: @TheBoomOperator