Fairbanks artist, illustrator and creative nonfiction writer Addie M. Willsrud is constantly inspired by the natural world around her.
“A lot of my art process is driven by learning, and I believe that everybody can be a lifetime learner,” Willsrud said. “If we just look around, even at the ordinary things around us, there is so much to learn at any given time. A lot of my inspiration comes from a deep, deep drive to be curious and discover things.”
Willsrud, who creates under AMW. Arts, specializes in ink, watercolor and most recently, wood burning. She began creating at a young age, and says her parents always encouraged her to observe the world through drawing.
The plates and bowls she burns on are made either by her partner, her little brother or her dad from the trees around Fairbanks. Willsrud says the wood burning process has resulted in some of her favorite pieces being made.
“I am always very excited to try new mediums,” Willsrud said. “I am an avid nordic knitter, I make a lot of sweaters with colorwork patterns. I have tried different types of paints and inks and pencils, but I tend to gravitate towards more small detail things, such as the inkwork and the woodburning and the knitting.”
Willsrud says moving back to Fairbanks after finishing college was difficult. As an artist, she says she spends a lot of time with herself, and that much of her creating happens in solitude.
“There are so many wonderful artists here, and they are each so welcoming,” she said. “It’s just hard to build that among each other because we spend so much time alone.”
As an avid birder, all of Willsrud’s art is based in nature. She says attending shorebird festivals in the state and teaching nature journaling and organizing art nights has been an impactful way for her to engage with the community.
“It is just really special to be able to be around people who are curious and excited about the natural world,” Willsrud said. “I really feel that art, creating, community, nature, stewardship, all of that really boils down to curiosity and compassion and that is where my drive comes from.”
Willsrud has an online storefront with additional pieces for sale.
Sam Davenport is a writer residing in Anchorage. She's a leo and a plant-person, and loves spending quality time with her dog, Aspen. She is a Real Housewives fan and has been called a Bravo historian.
