Photography
Taking photographs, to me, feels as natural as whatever I do while I am awake; having a coffee, going for a walk, messaging friends, checking emails, watering plants, taking out the trash.
I used to have cameras, now I only use my phone. I have it on me all the time anyway. No special equipment needed.
I’d say my guiding principles for images are:
I look for the not-obvious angle or subject, while traveling and in my day-to-day.
Composition is key. I am always aware that I am translating 3D to 2D.
I enjoy the whole process, taking the photographs, editing them and posting/sharing them online.
At the moment I am looking at ways to turn my photographs into printed products for sale. I am leaning towards book form rather than wall art. I adore books. Books have an intimacy, a privacy, a 1:1 that wall art doesn’t have.
A happy dream is to do a book, combining my photography, illustration and writing.
Illustration
With illustration, the focus for me is process rather than result. I find it helpful to relax, zone out, go trance. The science behind it is that one switches hemispheres in the brain, from the verbal to the non-verbal.
There is no goal for me to develop a particular style in a particular medium. I wander freely.
Simple tools, pen and paper. Always a pen and the journal in my bag. Along with water, wallet, earphones and phone.
Occasionally I make a point of using special paper and art materials. I have experimented with drawing digitally, on computer using the mouse. It is ok, but it is a different vibe, I prefer on paper rather than on screen.
That happy dream: a book, combining my photography, illustration and writing.
Instagram, for me, is a great place both to share my art in a daily-life way or share my daily life as an artist and connect with other creatives or connect with others who do things creatively e.g. gardening, dressing up, comedy, astrology, pet grooming, there really is no limit.
@shesawanja
Writing
To write something about writing.
Where would I be without it? Unimaginable. I’d probably have a different personality.
I carry around a journal and pencil case like they are emotional support animals. I like the act of writing, long hand especially. And it is so useful. A great way to pass time or spend it. Thinking. Praying. Venting. Calming Down. Giving. Receiving.
Website
I started this website in early 2025. It is the 4th website I’ve had since 2011 for my art endeavours. And who knows there may even be more in future. With every site there has been a different intention. My life circumstances have been different and my relationship to art and myself have changed. With this site I have 2 goals, one is a PORTFOLIO, a place where people can go in their own time and l look at what art I make, either out of personal or professional interest. The other goal is SHARING. For me to get into the habit of and get good at sharing. I am sharing the human experience as sensed through my unique filter, the filter that is Anja Cornelia. That is what I share, how I’d like to share it is: beautifully, elegantly, simply with joy and in harmony.