Anne McNeill

Anne has been fascinated by how powerful the visual image is to us as human beings. This, and the way that communication in relationships impacts on our lives, has been the inspiration for her creative work,Her paintings are vibrant and complex. They have stories based on metaphor, utilising symbols which are commonly understood, such as staircases and telegraph poles, rivers, boats and shadows. There are always figures in her paintings, allowing a story to be woven. These are all about traveling on a pathway of communication and choices.Birds make a frequent appearance, being an ancient symbol for God’s presence. Anne’s spiritual life has been another journey of communication. She came to Quakers in 1992. Her interest in children and their development became more prominent when she had grandchildren. Anne wrote and illustrated her first book for young childrenabout a dog and a cat and their attitudes and behaviours, the Quaker testimonies Peace, Equality, Truth and Simplicity being the starting point for this book.. She found that much of what children learn when they are small often remains unchanged into adulthood, sometimes holding them back from having fulfilling lives and relationships.She returned to London in 2005 after 9 years in Australia and has continued to study and work in teaching, art making and writing. More of Anne’s books are in the pipeline and she continues to love painting.