About Me!
Hi! My name is Anna Roller Hess.
As an artist, I thrive in the beautiful interplay of experimentation and experience. My creative journey is energized by the joy of surprise and the excitement of exploring new techniques. Regardless of the materials I choose, for me, the essence of art lies in the act of creation, each piece becoming a physical manifestation of energy and inspiration, capturing a moment in time for the individual to engage with. I fully embrace the concept of letting go, releasing the fear of "messing up". It's by practicing this surrender that I ignite my spark, sustain my motivation and curiosity resulting in a truly diverse body of work. I'm not here to chase perfection, that holds no interest for me. I'm embracing freedom.
about my
work
Inspired by experimentation, I strive to create unique pieces that resonate with those who want something a little different, that tells a story, pieces that imbue a sense of energy, positivity, and exploration. My dedication to creativity sets my work apart in subtle ways. Even though I was a Fine Arts major in college I never had a budget beyond tuition for supplies; I think that helped to strengthen my tendency to embrace doing things a little differently. It was necessary for me to think outside the box, however frustrating a problem might be- I find that when I eventually arrive on the other side of it, the end result is so much better for the struggle. In order for growth to happen, to do something beyond what you have already done, there's an element of getting uncomfortable. Sometimes something doesn't work the way I thought it would, but there are also just as many aha's and revelations by being open to the flow of the work. When something takes an unexpected turn I follow where it leads, and enjoy the ride! Explore the portfolio to discover the story behind each collection and to experience my unique voice of artistic expression.
Background and education
Anna holds several degrees in the arts, including an associate degree in photography, a BFA with concentrations in photography, painting, and ceramics, and a Master of Arts, (MAT). She enriched her education by studying art for a semester at SACCI in Florence, Italy, and has been a continuing student and Academy member of Nicholas Wilton Creative Visionary Program since 2023. Her professional journey began in the early 90s after relocating to Chicago, where she worked as a window dresser for Saks and later for Ralph Lauren on Michigan Avenue. During this time, Anna built valuable relationships with creative professionals, one of which she worked with for the next ten years. Through this partnership they did everything from floral and event design, to collaborating with interior designers as painters and fabricators. In addition to these roles, Anna remained active and dedicated to her own fine art practice of designing and creating jewelry, teaching workshops, and exhibiting her artwork. In 2006, Anna embarked on a new chapter in her life with a marriage and a move to the suburbs. She completed her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and began sharing her passion for art by teaching high school art. In 2014, Anna relocated to Philadelphia, where she welcomed two children and chose to step away from her professional career to focus on family. After moving back to the Chicago area in 2018, Anna felt the urge to follow her artistic pursuits once more. While on a group tour exploring the fine arts department at Harper College, she was unexpectedly offered a job there! Around the same time Anna received her job offer at Harper College; she came across Nicholas Wilton and the Creative Visionary Program (CVP), which profoundly transformed her creative process. Reflecting on her experience, Anna remarked, "I made so many breakthroughs during this program; I learned so much more than would have in a second master’s." Over the past three years, Anna has immersed herself in the CVP program, where she has gained valuable insights, not only refining her artistic techniques, but also into developing a powerful mindset. She says, "This program takes a tremendous amount of time to help you truly know yourself, digging deep into your authentic relationship with art and process. It's given me clarity on how I get from A to B and has led to some of the best art I've ever made." Anna's journey through CVP has been a significant catalyst for her growth as an artist. Evident in her continually evolving collections, Anna’s work wonderfully captures positivity, intuition, and self-confidence. She invites you to explore her work, hoping that you find as much joy in viewing it as she experienced in its creation, where remembering to play, experiment, and finding joy in the journey are what it’s all about!