Interview
Annette vanOldenbarneveld
Annetta vanOldenbarneveld is also known as Annette Green. She grew up on St. Joe’s Island in the Great Lakes of Canada. Nature, music and art were always a part of her life. She spent her early years canoeing the canals of the island and foraging for wild berries, setting the tone for a life passionate about nature.
Annette studied political theory and psychoanalysis, and this opened her eyes to the realization that to most industries, the idea of progress relies heavily on the exploitation of the environment, animals and other human beings. That was when she set her mission to walk through this life with an aim to leave a positive impact as the residue of her existence. It is a mission that has taken time, effort and self-awareness to cultivate.
Annette has studied, researched and practiced eco therapy, and eco art therapy as a lifestyle. This has enabled her to confidently offer beautiful nature photography, fine art, eco therapy and music aligned in coherence with earth frequencies and the highest potential of our human energy.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“When I was very young, I studied art at Algoma Art Gallery and took children's art classes at Sault College. As a teenager, my first job was at my aunt’s coffee shop. I stayed with her along the waterfront in Campbellford, Ontario and she had the most beautiful paintings on the wall. When I asked about them, she explained that they were painted by my own mother! She had signed with the name of her first marriage. I was blown away and committed to learning and sharing the journey of being an artist.”
What inspires you?
“I am inspired by nature, natural healing, waterfalls, wildlife, my beautiful daughter, Opal Storm, and the journey of motherhood.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Having a degree in political theory from Algoma University allowed me to delve deep into the message of my work. There is usually meaning to the themes I pursue, and a contemplative concept that can be pondered. Over the years, my collections have included self love and self government, anatomical art and political pieces that contemplate the journey of being complete in oneself — self aware, self disciplined and self motivated.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as Earth Conscious Arts. From creation process, to theme, to impact, I hope to inspire a deeper connection to the Earth we are a part of.
My work has evolved as Eco Art in theme, media and message. It is therapeutic, and can bring nature into your home and remind you to connect and be a partner to it. My work has been described as having a religious quality, and a very Classic Canadian feel. It is creative, functional and fun. I have been compared to all of my favorite artists!”
Which artists influence you most?
“My favorite artists include Salvador Dali, Lauren Harris from the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, Margritte and Cory Trepanier and my mom, Gail Green.”
“I’m also starting a series of children’s books that teach children about nature, art, photography, poetry and wildlife. The Spencer Creek Children's Book series will also include Eco therapy, and Eco Art activity books!”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is interactive with nature. Eco therapy is essential to the process. The waterfall pieces included discovering and hiking to the bottom of many local waterfalls.
The current collection, Esker Lakes was inspired first by a camping trip into the unknown. My partner and I wanted to go to our favorite place along the shores of Georgian Bay for a trip but in 2020, the reserve was closed to campers. With short notice, we looked at provincial parks that still had space available and picked a place that we had never been, using mostly our gut feelings about location and what we saw online. The trip was completely magical. Every day we were in the canoe. The Universe and stars glowed brightly along the shorelines. The reflections showed the sounds of earth healing, and the patterns of our reflection. The trip inspired both a photography collection and a fine art collection.
I’m currently seeking a gallery to show the collection, while also looking for a grant for framing of the collection and working on the fine art pieces. Prints of the photography are available here.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Society is evolving, and now is the best time to evolve consciously. For those of us following the artist’s way, we are embarking on simultaneous journeys—the journey to find oneself and pursue one's passion, and the journey of entrepreneurship. An artist inspires society to see its reflection. As an artist, I hope to teach people to value nature a little bit more.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“You may have spotted some of my pieces at the Lister Arts Gallery, Sealed Arts, Gallery 435, Skydragon Collective, in Art Battles Hamilton Ontario division, Heart of the Hammer Cafe, at different fundraisers and banquet conventions in the area for animals, women, environment, healing, and many more. Also Homegrown Cafe, along the iconic James St Art Crawls, Arts Hamilton, Dundas Valley School of Arts Auction, Terraware window in Dundas Ontario during closing months and more!”
