Published March 26, 2024

Host Kaylin Richardson, a two-time Olympian and professional skier, engages in a captivating conversation with local artist Anna Moore to chat about her work on the Burns Reimagined Art Installation at Deer Valley.

For this project, upcycled chairs from the recently retired Burns Chairlift—one of the first chairlifts at the resort and a staple for Ski School—served as a blank canvas for each artist to design and capture the essence of Deer Valley. From stunning scenics to portraits of Deer Valley legends like Stein Eriksen, they delivered—and you can now find these chairlifts-turned-masterpieces displayed around Deer Valley.

Anna is a Utah-based painter who finds inspiration in the untamed lands of the West. After nine years of living in the Wasatch, she has found her mountain muse for life. As an artist, her deepest joy comes from physically tracing the landscape with her body (skiing, hiking, climbing, biking...) and then immortalizing that experience in paint.

For the Burns Reimagined chairlift project, Anna wanted to feature the two types of winter weather we get at Deer Valley: "Bluebird" and "Powder Day." For the “Bluebird” design, she combined her favorite view (Clayton Peak from atop Empire Lift) with a native Utah bluebird—the Scrub Jay. The "Powder Day" design uses more muted tones and features fluffy, pillowy pine trees and the first ski tracks after a fresh coat of snow. View more of her work at annaleighmoore.com.




KEY TAKEAWAYS
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THE ESSENCE OF NATURE IN ART
With the Wasatch region as her muse for the past nine years, Anna channels the raw beauty of nature into her art, demonstrating the profound connection between the natural world and creative expression. Through meticulous brushwork, she transforms rugged landscapes into captivating visual narratives, inviting viewers to share in her admiration for the untamed.

ROOTS OF CREATIVITY
From a young age, Anna was immersed in creativity, guided by her grandmother, an artist in her own right. This foundational relationship highlighted the vital role of legacy and mentorship in art, showing that creativity flourishes with support and is a trait inherent in everyone.

JOURNEY INTO THE MOUNTAINS
Anna's initial pursuit of skiing led her to the mountains of the West, where she found a deeper love for the landscape. This pivotal experience not only reshaped her personal life but also her artistic direction, underscoring how new environments can inspire fresh passions and perspectives.

A SPECTRUM OF MEDIUMS FOR CAPTURING MEMORIES
In her work, Anna employs a variety of mediums, from watercolors to oils, each chosen to best reflect the essence of her subject matter. This careful selection speaks to her intent to capture the atmosphere and emotions of the natural world, highlighting the role of medium choice in the artistic process.

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES
Embracing "happy mistakes" has allowed Anna to explore the unpredictable nature of art, viewing these moments as opportunities for innovation and growth. This approach highlights the evolving nature of creativity, where unexpected turns can open the door to new insights.

PUBLIC ART AS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Through her participation in projects like the "Burns Reimagined Chairlift Art Project," Anna has used her art to engage and connect with the community on a broader scale. Her work in public art demonstrates the power of creative expression to enrich shared spaces and foster a sense of collective experience.

THE CONTINUOUS ALLURE OF THE MOUNTAINS
The mountains serve as an endless source of inspiration for Anna, prompting her advocacy for reconnecting with the natural world. Her perspective reminds us of the value of slowing down to appreciate nature's beauty, emphasizing how the natural environment enriches our lives and fuels our creativity.


Woman skiing on a powder day at Deer Valley.
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