Biography
Anne Gutherman has always been a storyteller, whether through novels, short stories, or narrative illustration. Much of the inspiration for Gutherman’s artwork stems from these written works, as the illustrations often serve to depict characters, scenes, settings, and moods found in the stories. In this way, the artwork plays a critical role in Gutherman’s writing process, allowing for key elements to be explored and developed off page. Even Gutherman’s work that is not directly related to a specific novel maintains a characteristic narrative quality, featuring characters engaging within complex scenes that indicate the presence of something greater going on, or the feeling of a captured moment within a larger story.
Gutherman is currently studying at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and is set to graduate in May 2024 with bachelor’s degrees in both studio art and English.
Gutherman has had paintings shown in Regis Hall and the Post Learning Commons at Saint Joseph’s University, and currently has a series of illustrations displayed in the Frances M. Maguire Art Museum through May 2024. Gutherman has also worked as an illustrator for several children’s books, including A.V. Guile’s Our Angel in Heaven, which is available for purchase through Amazon.
Artist Statement
I am a storyteller. I have spent the past eight years behind laptop screens and notebook pages, putting word after word, crafting worlds from nothing. I find something magical in the process of translating complex ideas and emotions into a story through which an audience can discover themselves and others. I often spend months sitting with one idea, taking notes, making connections, and examining it from all angles before I even begin to write. Visual art plays a crucial role in this stage for me, and continues throughout the writing process. My notes for my novels are covered in related sketches, which I occasionally develop into full illustrations. Drawing characters, places, and scenes from my novels provides me with a new perspective and allows me to more fully engage with the themes of the story.
I create my illustrations traditionally, which in some ways acts parallel to my physical notetaking. Each piece is delicately hand-painted in watercolor, built up in dozens of translucent layers with a tiny brush. I often consider working on my illustrations to be an extension of working on my book, in the sense that this particular process invites me to slow down and reflect on the building up of characters and scenes. These illustrations are mostly narrative, capturing a moment, mood, emotion, and interaction in careful detail, much of which will translate into the book.
The novel that is the basis for my current series of illustrations is called Flies from a Long Way Off, and it is currently undergoing revision with the intent to pursue traditional publication in the near future. It is a Young Adult fantasy with mystery/thriller elements, and loose inspiration from the Borges Classification of Animals. The story is an exploration of identity, empathy, and belonging. It is, at its heart, an investigation of the human need to categorize both self and others. These themes are therefore a central focus of the corresponding artwork.
Resume
Education
Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts, 2024
Solo Exhibitions
2024 Flies from a Long Way Off, Frances M. Maguire Art Museum, Merion Station, PA
Group Exhibitions
2022 Illustration I, Post Learning Commons, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA
Painting II, Regis Hall, Saint Joseph’s University, Merion Station, PA
2021 Illustration I, Boland Hall, Saint Joseph’s University, Merion Station, PA
Co-Curatorial Work
2023 Black: Communion | Philadelphia Artists 1930-Present, in collaboration with Dr. Jenny Spinner, Frances M. Maguire Art Museum, Merion Station, PA
Picture Books
2022 Our Angel in Heaven - Illustrator
Contact
If you have questions regarding my work or if you're interested in working with me, fill out the form to get in touch! I'd be happy to hear from you.