Multimedia Artist

Anna Laure McFarlane

Anna McFarlane is a multidisciplinary artist based between Mohkínstsis (Calgary) and the Foothills of southern Alberta, on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7. Working primarily in clay, her practice is rooted in ceramics while extending into painting and drawing through watercolour, pastel, acrylic, and oil.Originally trained in Creative Arts in Montreal, with a focus on photography and television, McFarlane’s creative practice has evolved across mediums while maintaining a strong interest in observation, storytelling, and the ways art can connect people to one another.More recently, her work has expanded into documentary filmmaking. Over the past year, she has been developing a documentary centred on Black artists across North America, an exploration that grew from a desire to deepen her own understanding of Black artists and their work, while creating space for their stories, practices, and perspectives to reach a wider audience.Whether working with clay, pigment, or film, McFarlane approaches art as a process of curiosity and discovery. Her multidisciplinary practice reflects an interest not only in making objects and images, but in the conversations, histories, and human connections that can emerge through the act of creating.

Artist Resume

Multidisciplinary Artist
Ceramics · Painting · Drawing · Photography · Film
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Based in Calgary (Mohkínstsis), on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7
*Current Project
Independent documentary project exploring and celebrating Black Artists and their creative practices across North America.Education
Creative Arts Degree - Champlain College
Montréal, QuébecArtist Residency
Empire of Dirt
Independent studio practice in visual art, and documentary development.Other Projects
Ceramics
Hand-building · Functional & sculptural workPainting & Drawing
Watercolour · Pastel · Acrylic · OilPhotography & Film
Photography · Documentary · Visual storytelling

Documentary

Black Artists

Anna is currently in the post-production phase of the documentary she has directed, Black Artists.
The documentary explores the work, voices, and creative lives of Black Artists in residence at Empire of Dirt in Creston, British Columbia, on the unceded traditional territory of the Yaqan Nuʔkiy, within the Ktunaxa Nation. The film hopes to offer an intimate look at the people behind the art and the experiences, traditions, and influences that shape their practices.At its heart, the project is about discovery and visibility. My goal is simple: for viewers to leave the film knowing at least one more Black artist than they did before, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the breadth, individuality, and richness of Black artistic expression.Filmed through conversations, moments of creation, and time spent with artists in their studios and shared creative spaces, the documentary seeks to capture not only the work they make, but the stories and experiences that inform it.This project was made possible with the support of a grant from Calgary Arts Development, whose funding provided me with the opportunity to bring this documentary to life.