Artist Story: Janelle Anakotta

What inspired the name of your business? 
I tried several different names for my art business, which all seemed so forced! I like just my name. Nice and simple and easy to remember. 

What is the story behind why you started your business?
I have always loved art. Of course it was my favourite subject in school! I actually started painting cartoon characters and giving them away as gifts. Nature art was always a passion too but I was never confident enough to try and sell them. When I finally started to sell online and one person bought one, I was so excited that someone out there loved my art enough to purchase. Then it just went from there. I love making people happy with my art. I get energized from it.

What is the dream that you wish to fund through your business? 
I wish to just continue to create and make people happy with my art. I know that’s probably everyone’s dream with having their own business but that truly makes me happy and motivates me. 

What are you most proud of about your business? 
I am the most proud of the fact that I do everything on my own! Of course I have had a lot of people give me their valuable input over the years but I do everything myself and so proud I am able to do that.

How have your grown as a person as a result of your business? 
I have learned so much over the years growing my art business. I have weeded through trying to figure out the “non creative business side” of being a working artist. It has been tough and sometimes defeating but I never have given up!

What difference does your art make in your life? And your family’s life? 
Art simply makes me happy. I work full time in a bank and it can be stressful. Even though its my full time job, art is my full time passion. I can’t wait to get home and create.

If you could say one thing to the person that buys and/or enjoys your art, what would it be?
I hope that my art brings you joy and tranquility.

Why we love having Janelle's art at Giving Gifts:

Janelle's art really does bring joy and tranquility when you spend some time looking at her miniature paintings. We love how so much can be accomplished in such a tiny canvas - a sense of wonder, smallness, and appreciation for the natural world. It just makes you want to find a quiet spot in the forest and gaze up at the sky. But if you can't do that, there is always Janelle's art! 

Looking for a special holiday gift? We have several paintings of Janelle's in store including one of a kind wooden painted tree decorations (example pictured below). Come by and see for yourself!