Anna Trodglen (or her musical pseudonym Grace Braun) is a name you likely recognize from the Atlanta music scene, given that she has fronted the band DQE since the mid-1980s as its singer/songwriter. In addition to her musical pursuits, Trodglen is a painter who is in the final stages of prepping for her January 8 Art Show at the Radial Cafe (1530 DeKalb Ave NE Atlanta GA 30307), where Trodglen’s paintings and prints will be on display. In addition, as detailed at a recent Facebook announcement: “Anna and her DQE bandmates Dugan and John will be performing a short acoustic set at 9pm. There will also be a raffle for a free custom painting. Food and wine will be served. Anna’s paintings will be hanging at Radial Cafe through the month of January.” We also got a chance to discuss the children’s book she is currently working on, City Mouse, Country Mouse. My thanks to Trodglen for her time and to my friend, Dugan Trodglen (Anna’s bandmate and husband) for helping make this interview feasible. Each art piece in this interview is accompanied by a description by Anna. The art opening is this Friday, January 8, 2010, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm at at Radial Cafe.
Tim O’Shea: How did the Radial show come about?
Anna Trodglen: Susan Archie, the talented and well known graphic artist and designer, introduced me to the idea and gave me the contact information.
O’Shea: The show will feature your paintings and prints-how long have you been painting pieces in this style? How many pieces will be in the show-and was it hard for you to pick which pieces of yours would appear?
Trodglen: I have been painting exclusively animals (mostly cats and dogs) since July of 2008 when I began working with dogs at a doggie day care, boarding and grooming facility called Paws Playhouse. I initially painted the dogs of Paws Playhouse to decorate the facility and amuse the workers and clients. Gradually with support and encouragement I began to paint in this style more and more frequently until it became a life calling. There will be between fifteen and twenty paintings in the show of various sizes, depending on what will fit. The paintings chosen will be based on the smile factor- what I think will make me happiest and hopefully the viewer as well. It is never too hard to pick. I generally keep the best ones of my dog Jack for myself, Like Dorian Grey, Jack has a painting in the attic and…
O’Shea: What is your preferred medium when painting?
Trodglen: I love acrylic paint with its rich colors and textures and the mediums and even water that you can work through the paints themselves. Lately I have also begun painting an original children’s book in watercolors with pen and ink. Exciting!
O’Shea: Do you remember when you first realized you had an affinity for painting animals, where did that affinity originate?
Trodglen: I have been painting and drawing animals since I was a child. As a child I particularly was fascinated with cats. I especially enjoyed drawing and painting cats wearing clothing and walking upright. My grandfather, Glenn Forrest Chesnut, was a professional artist and painted a great deal of horses. He encouraged me as a child, and when he died I inherited all his art supplies, and so I had the tools to be an artist from a very young age- and I used those tools until they were all gone. Then I replaced them.
O’Shea: Have you ever done illustrations for children’s books, and/or do you have an interest in being a children’s literature illustrator?
Trodglen: I am currently illustrating a children’s book I have written called City Mouse, Country Mouse. The words are the lyrics to a song I have written using the basic premise of the City Mouse, Country Mouse story and the guitar chords and a CD of the song will be included with the book. I will probably continue doing children’s books because it is fun, but I also have an interest in greeting cards and cartoons.
O’Shea: Will your paintings and prints be available for purchase?
Trodglen: Yes, they will, and hopefully at decent prices. There will also be a free raffle for a custom painting of a pet or animal.
O’Shea: I was fortunate enough to have purchased two of your holiday cards recently, is this the first year you have sold the cards or have you done it in years past?
Trodglen: This is my first year of actually SELLING holiday cards. I have made my own holiday cards every year for many years, but always in black and white. My Dad helped me by photographing and printing the cards for me to assemble. Next year there will be more, as well as Valentines and a calender.
O’Shea: What kind of creative satisfaction do you get from your painting-and how does that satisfaction compare or vary from the satisfaction you get out of your musical pursuits?
Trodglen: The biggest satisfaction I get from my paintings is that first smile, when I can see what is funny or really real in my picture as I am painting. The next best satisfaction is seeing the smile on the face of the viewer. When I am making music or painting, or sketching or knitting, I can be in a place where time is suspended and all the worries and concerns of day to day life vanish. I don’t have a thought in my head, and I’m looking for that first smile or the feeling I get in my body when I have really good control of my voice.
O’Shea: Can you tell us what some of the set list will be for the short acoustic set with your DQE bandmates Dugan and John, the night your art exhibit opens?
Trodglen: We will play The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, the Constant Friend, City Mouse Country Mouse, and a couple other songs about animals. A short set.