Meet Anne Marie McClintock | Photographer & Explorer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Marie McClintock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne Marie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The most important decision I made that continues to contribute to my success is to not be paralyzed by the fear of judgement. Not everyone is going to like or appreciate my work, but that is no reason to stop creating. I create because I need to, I want to, I love to. By not seeking approval from others in what I do I’ve been able to stay true to the brand and message I envisioned and have made so many connections with those that my work does resonate with. Its helped me grow as an artist and as a person.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The motto for the art I create is: revive – repurpose – reinvigorate. I create with many different materials, from painting, restoring clothing and furniture to taking photographs with a used camera. No matter what project I’m working on I always try to find ways to be sustainable and repurpose materials into some new. Staying true to turning trash into treasure. I’d rather salvage something that is falling apart than ever buy anything new. It has not always been an easy road, but thinking outside the box and blazing your own trail rarely is. Focus on holding your vision is my advice for overcoming challenges. Don’t let road blocks get you down, let them move through you. If a goal is important to you then nothing can keep you from trying to achieve it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Not sure I have a good answer for this. Get outside, go explore. Wander into a shop you’ve never been to. Find local art and talk to the artist, find out why they do what they do. You’ll leave inspired and you’ll inspire that artist to create more because they’ve felt seen. Shop local, shop small and don’t limit yourself to what others are suggesting. Figure out what you want and go do those things.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve read The Alchemist by Paulo Cuehlo many times and each time I feel more inspired to follow my dreams and stay true to that which resonates with my heart’s calling. I also want to thank my friends and family for encouraging me to put myself out there in ways I never had thought possible. Sarah Sapowycz, Darkanna Olabode and Molly Garrett were some of the first people to purchase my art and I will be eternally grateful to them for fueling my desire to keep creating.

Instagram: merma_lair