The Modern Day Dragon
My appreciation for the fantasy genre has been consistent throughout my life, culminating in a persistent interest in dragons. Growing up with anxiety, I relied on art as a means of self-expression, particularly drawing dragons. Art became my portal to another world, an outlet for emotions, and a voice when words eluded me. In this body of work, I explored the metaphor of anxiety as a modern-day dragon, a figure that symbolizes chaos and disaster in stories around the world. Much like a dragon, anxiety looms over our lives, obscuring our view of the sky and shrouding us in darkness. Eventually, one must confront their dragons and face the inner darkness and struggles that come with being human. I chose to paint in watercolor, which can often be unpredictable and difficult to control precisely. My relationship with the medium is similar to my relationship with anxiety, often filled with trepidation and uncertainty, but it can be managed with practice and the right techniques. I present these dragons as a reflection of the intangible yet oppressive affliction that affects us all, anxiety.
Bio
My name is Annie Chapman, I am an illustrator based in Maine. In my work, I use fantasy subjects to portray different aspects of the human experience. I have always loved dragons and enjoy exploring new ways to use them within my work. My goal as an artist is to shine a light on our internal struggles as human beings and inspire others to embrace their creativity and imagination.
