Anna Glibbery is an artist and fashion designer, creating illustrations that are charged with creativity, energy, and narrative. In her work there is an amalgamation of different subjects, concepts, and stylistic techniques. Ranging from abstract imagery and ambiguous line drawings, realistic portraits, to mixed media methods that merge illustration, photography, and text, Anna continues to emphasise the art of visual storytelling. In addition to her illustrations, Anna has a background in fashion and as a designer, and is currently practicing 3D design. During our conversations, I learnt about Anna’s style and techniques, and about how her art has served as a creative outlet and means of discovery. I spoke with Anna to discuss her practice, creative journey from France to the UK, themes, inspirations, and being a member of RIOT SOUP, an art collective for women of colour.

NAHUEL CONTRERAS How did you begin your pursuit into art? ANNA GLIBBERYLY I have always been creative for as far as I can remember. I used to tell my parents that I wanted to become an inventor when I grew up. I was always drawing people and eyes for some reason.
I only started taking it seriously when I met Asma and Salma, founders of RIOT SOUP. They gave me the safe space, the tips and tricks, and the support that I needed to flourish. NC Who or what are your biggest influences? AG I would say as a child I was influenced by my sister, who was very creative. My art teacher was also a big influence. She was bold and would let us do whatever we wanted, within reason. This led me to walk around a small rural French town with an Octopus on my head for a few hours. I wanted to affect people; make them smile, laugh, or even step back in disgust.

Nowadays, I look up to so many different people. I love that my influences change and evolve, and that they are not bound to one domain. I feel inspired by Chef’s Table on Netflix, Flofilz music, and by artists like Hector Trend and Tejumola Butler Adenuga. It’s constantly shifting, and I like that. NC What has been your favourite piece or project to work on and why? AG My favourite piece so far would be ‘African King’. It just felt right and it felt like I was getting closer to my roots. I can’t quite explain it, but this piece felt different somehow.
I also loved being a part of RIOT SOUP’s first exhibition. The high we all felt was incredible; it’s an experience I will never forget. It felt like I was celebrating a major win with my family. NC Your ability to conceptualise your ideas abstractly is enhanced by your use of bold and expressive colours. How do you decide on your palette? AG I honestly don’t think I’m good with colours, but I want to be better. I choose colour palettes from pictures on Pinterest, from personal photos, or from instinct. The bolder the better; I am like a colour magpie. I don’t restrict myself to any rules, and I go with the flow. NC Viewing your work elicits a range of emotions. When creating, do you prioritise how your work might resonate with viewers? AG I would like to generate work that’s reactive and in line with world events or current trends, but I haven’t found my day job/art balance just yet. I mostly create work that makes me happy and makes me feel something.
I am a work in progress, and I want to create pieces that will generate strong emotional responses with the viewers. NC Your piece “Day and Night” explores your identity, addresses societal and systemic perspectives on race, and is a response to the Black Lives Matter protests and debates. How do you use your work as a form advocacy or change? AG I want to make work that not only makes you feel something, but also educates you, or brings attention to a certain subject. I am slowly getting better at this. I once heard that the role of the artist was to bring focus to important subjects, and I really want to be that mediator between important messages and people. I think some of the most powerful pieces convey a strong message and notion. NC Has art always been a form of self-articulation for you? AG Art and creativity have always been my way of expressing myself, and feeling happy. I used to pack my brother and I backpacks full of juice cartons, snacks, and walkie-talkies, and we’d head off into the fields around our house. The grass and weeds were taller than us, so we had to stamp our way through. We’d pretend we were in an exotic land, and made maps and missions. I have always had a wild imagination; it’s my little world, my bubble of happiness and creativity. My creative mind is my safe space; I am most creative when I am emotionally stimulated. NC You draw reference to your formative years in France, and how it influenced your practice. How have you found the creative scene in comparison with the UK? AG My first home in France was such an amazing environment; I lived in the middle of a forest with fields. Nature was all around me, that was so inspiring, and I am very grateful for my parents to have worked hard to offer us such an amazing home. It was isolated, and we literally had to drive half an hour to an hour to get to a supermarket, so there was no chance of seeing a museum or an art exhibition.
My first week at Uni in the UK was incredible. The diversity of cultures and sceneries; it was like someone opened a creative door with endless resources and inspiration. That’s what I prefer and love about the UK, the diversity. NC “Ray”, “Waking Up”, and your ongoing Tarot card series, emphasise how you utilise narratives in your work. What themes do you enjoy exploring in your art? AG I love a story! I am a storyteller in some ways. I either tell myself a story and create from it, or try to convey a narrative to the viewer. I always create a story when I look at artwork; what was the artist thinking? Did they eat toast whilst painting? I wonder if they have a cool routine? Random thoughts, but I love them.
I think human relations and emotions are my favourite themes. I am a massive fan of human interactions; I thrive off of others and “feel” strongly. I also love exploring identity, as I am constantly trying to figure out and design who I am. NC As a member of RIOT SOUP, an art collective for women of colour, could you tell me more about how the shared experiences of your collective have impacted your own individual artistic practice and creative development? AG Being exposed to multiple backgrounds, experiences, and personalities, all a part of one sisterhood, is a true blessing. We all gelled and understood each other from the moment we met; it was surreal. We support each other through doubt, creative blocks, and help each other grow.
I am less afraid, more confident, and getting and giving the energy I need to be creative. I think it is super important to find your people, build your own community, and surround yourself with the people that make you happy, and challenge and inspire you. NC Through socials, curated exhibitions, and workshops, RIOT SOUP has cultivated a platform and creative space that centres and unifies women of colour and their art. Part of growing cultural expansions, it places emphasis on the lack of representation of diversity in cultural British society, and the existing marginalising museum-industrial complex. What do you think the art world can do to become more inclusive? AG I think big galleries should start, or keep, including a bigger diversity of artists, but as communities, we also need to stand up and make our own voices heard. We can’t rely on the bigger institutions. Make your own exhibition, create your own online or physical gallery, network with like-minded people, and design events that will bring the community together, share diversity, and promote unity. There’s so much that can be done, and even if sometimes it feels like an uphill battle, never give up because someone will see your work and feel represented. NC The Internet can be beneficial in providing visibility and accessibility. However, in some ways it has also established greater challenges for emerging artists. How influential would you say the Internet is in getting visibility for your work? AG I find it extremely difficult to be an artist and a social media pro/marketing person/salesperson. It’s just a mind melt for me, and since I have a job as a junior fashion designer, it’s become worse. I feel so much pressure to post and engage with viewers, but I feel like I have no time to do so. On the flip side, social platforms have generated a lot of work and sales for me. I think I need to practice and work on my weaknesses, and maybe use them to my advantage in some way. There’s a lot of competition out there! So many artists are online, and only a few stand out. It’s a tough sector, but never give up. NC Your art focuses heavily on the human form; pose, composition, expression, are all utilised to provoke dialogue and emotion. The levels of abstraction in line drawings allow one to deconstruct, interpret, and reimagine physical identity. When drawing, how do you decide which special characteristics of a person to focus on, and what’s not substantive? AG I go with gut instinct. I practice a few times until I’m happy with different elements of a body or face. I love doing this digitally because it allows room for error. I see identity as a fluid and constantly evolving entity. I am constantly working on who I am and whom I want to be, and I find it so fascinating that I can decide that for others and myself through my imagination.
I’ll see a stranger on the tube and make eye contact for a second; in my mind I’ve already imagined them at their local bar with their friends, or buying flowers at a market. I just let my imagination go, and I create a made-up essence and identity of a person or illustration. What then needs to be brought to attention will come naturally. NC Looking over your portfolio, I can see all the different approaches to shape and form from various visual combinations, and stylistic techniques. In addition to your abstract-line drawings, you also create realistic figurative portraits, work with text, and experiment with mixed methods such as illustrating over photographs. Out of all of your artistic abilities, which do you prefer? AG I don’t know which style I prefer most. I think there is something I love in each of them. The realistic portraits make me happy because I enjoy people’s reactions to them. I love my more abstract pieces because I create them from emotions, research and instinct. I love playing over photography, as it just gives me a perfect base when I already love the photographer’s work. NC I would love to know more about your background and journey as a fashion designer. AG My interest in fashion began when I was in Bordeaux on a design foundation course. The deadlines were intense, but I quickly realised I could stay up all night working on fashion design projects, and be quite happy about it. I decided to apply to the University of Portsmouth for a Fashion and Textiles B.A, and three wonderful years later I had completed the course, and started my new journey as a designer, and as a UK resident; I have never looked back. I have been lucky to be thrown in the deep end with amazing teams and companies that have allowed me to grow and absorb so much knowledge. I have never wanted to make my own brand, but never say never.
At my current job I am learning 3D design, and it is so exciting! The possibilities that 3D design offers are endless; less waste when it comes to sampling the garments, and less time used to make a virtual garment. I’m very grateful to have this opportunity. NC Whilst visually playful and colourful, a lot of your art centres people, social commentary, and the value of introspection. As a fashion designer, do you focus on similar themes and narratives? AG I wish I had more time to explore these themes as a designer, but unfortunately the last time I explored fashion design was at University.
I have been working for household brands in childrenswear, and I am often quite disappointed in the industry’s practices. For me it lacks sustainability and passion. Everyone seems to be drained from the years in their roles. I hope that one day I can bring creativity and sustainability into fun and new designs. NC What do you do to overcome a creative block? AG I make sure I do my favourite things; cook, listen to music, watch something on Netflix, read, knit, or go for a walk and take pictures. I also use prompts sometimes; they are a good way of getting back in the flow. Other times, going on Pinterest and typing in words like “oranges” or “sentimental” will inspire me. NC Personally, or professionally, what are you currently focusing on? AG I want to focus on becoming a Senior Fashion Designer, and stepping out of my comfort zone. I want to challenge myself so that one day I can manage my own team, lead innovation, and create sustainable and exciting designs.

I want to experiment more with my art. I would love to dabble more with pottery and large sized canvases. 2021 might be the year I can afford a studio, fingers crossed. This would give me the space I need to fully unlock my potential, and not be constrained by space, or the need to be cautious, such as with stains.

Additionally, I want to prioritise self-care this year. I will allow myself to be pampered and allow time for rest. I feel like I’m always worried about something, so I want to make sure that that changes this year.

As Asma says, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”.