Sometimes all it takes is a walk to a thrift store for Anne Bentley to reorient herself and feel grounded enough to continue with an artistic endeavor.
“I like to re-energize, refresh,” Bentley said during a recent interview with Done. “If I’m not feeling it then I can leave and go for a walk and work at night. Because sometimes when it’s dark I don’t have any other distractions. I can’t look out the window and watch a bird or something.”
Bentley believes how she sees the world - whether during sunlight or moonlight - is reflected directly in her art. She says it can also channel her hyperfocus from ADHD, and these days she said that hyperfocus feeling is more about positive thoughts than negative ones.
“I really consider that [hyperfocus] to be an asset,” said Bentley. “I [also] think maybe sometimes I see the world a little bit differently than many other people or notice something that someone else might not. But maybe that’s just true of artists in general, I’m not sure.”
Bently, who studied fine art and painting, now resides outside San Francisco and spends time as an illustrator for commercial-based work. Her earlier artistic memories center on a chalkboard in the family kitchen and a lot of time spent in the library.
“All of my best school memories revolve around art,” said Bentley.
She says her inspiration comes from a mix of anything vintage, fashion, and nature. And these days she relishes the way she can align her artistic pursuits with her time spent with family.
Perhaps her biggest Achilles heel during the creative process coupled with ADHD? Extended deadlines for one, she said, and “the middle part is torture,” added Bentley. “But I always get to the end somehow.”
Bentley suggests that people take the time to get properly diagnosed, learn more about ADHD, seek inspiration from others who share a similar experience.
“When you go through slumps or you feel like you’re empty, just know that it passes,” said Bentley.
