My name is Anna Horwich and I am second year student at Durham University studying Liberal Arts (French, Italian and Art History). I studied Pre-U Fine Art at school and later pursued still life and life drawing at Savannah College of Art and Design, Georgia, America. Alongside my degree, I squeeze any bit of time to do some more art or visit art galleries as for me art is a go-to activity in times of stress. It provides me with a sense of normality and control and gives me refuge when I need it.

During my Pre-U Fine Art studies, I focused on human form and the process of ageing. My volunteer work in a care home provided me with great inspiration and my style varies from intricate realism to more abstract. I primarily work in oil paint. My portrait of an elderly lady, Jill, was awarded Third Prize in the Durham University Student Art Prize.

I have always liked portraiture and during lockdown, I took part in Tom Croft’s ‘Portraits for NHS Heroes’ initiative. Under this scheme, artists reach out to individual key workers and paint their portraits, sending it to them afterwards to thank them for their hard work in the fight against the pandemic. In total I painted five portraits of NHS staff, both male and female, some in full PPE kit and others in more casual attire. I enjoyed each portrait as I loved reflecting their personality and values in their portrait and learning about their experiences during the pandemic. This gave me a sense of connectedness during a time when we were all feeling isolated.