Anna Vaivare

Anna Vaivare was born on 24 May 1987 in Riga.

Anna Vaivare, a university graduate in architecture, has gained greater recognition and acclaim as a children's book illustrator. From her very first venture into this field, she garnered attention with her illustrations for Imants Ziedonis' book Īpašie vārdi (Special Words) (2013), published within the mini-book series BIKIBUKS by the publishing house Liels un mazs. Job offers followed one after another, with new publications emerging every two years (now more frequently). Over the course of a decade, a total of ten publications have been released. "Drawing has been my joy for as long as I can recall; I was known as the "artist of the class" throughout my school years. However, my deep love for and skill in mathematics and other exact sciences also set me apart. There was also a strong family influence  – both of my parents are architects, so I essentially grew up surrounded by drafting tables," Anna Vaivare says. It seems as though the profession of an architect has seamlessly fused together the artist's passions from both worlds.

Initially, illustrations for children's books were created alongside her architectural projects at Liene Griezīte's Studio (2013–2019). Inspired by her success (Jānis Baltvilks Award for the illustrations in the collection of poems by Leons Briedis Saputrotā putra (Messy Porridge; Liels un mazs; Riga, 2016), the Golden Apple Tree Award for illustrations of the book  Zirgā (On the Horse) by Inese Zandere (Liels un mazs; Riga, 2017)), Anna Vaivare decides to elevate her expertise in book illustration, delving into diverse techniques and intricacies during her Master's studies in the Graphic Art Department at the Art Academy of Latvia (2019–2023).

Children's book illustration in Latvia has been and remains a cherished and enduring facet of graphic arts throughout the ages, perpetually in high demand. In a world brimming with artists, gaining recognition and even more so, becoming beloved, is an ever-growing challenge. Yet, Anna Vaivare has remarkably achieved both. This moment arrives when an artist, sooner rather than later, discovers their unique style, forging a path that stands out amid the intricate tapestry of countless artistic identities, past and present. This rich network of diverse talents contributes to the cohesive integrity that characterises Latvian children's book art, ensuring its recognition both at home and around the world.  

Anna Vaivare possesses keen perception in observing the reality, coupled with rapid and astute thinking. Her ideas crackle with creativity, unveiling ever-new and fresh perspectives. "Creating diverse characters, envisioning intricate situations and constructing entire worlds brings me immense joy. In my illustrations, I always incorporate parallel stories not explicitly described in the text. I appreciate how illustrations provide an additional narrative layer beyond simply depicting the text (..) it's a realm where I can effectively express myself. When I draw, I never aim to capture a child's eye. I simply create my drawings in the way they resonate with me and, it turns out, they also resonate with children. Perhaps, in truth, I am drawing for the child within me." Here lies the key to understanding why each successive step (each new book) offers the reader and viewer something fresh and unexpected, and why the artist's personal journey keeps propelling her forward. No stopping! She avoids tiring herself through repetition, sustains a sense of freshness and joy of work, extending these qualities to us as well – both the young and the old – readers and viewers of her illustrated books. The true essence lies beyond the surface beauty of the characters. In fact, they may (and usually do) appear ugly, even disfigured and crooked. These deliberate imperfections of characters vividly reflect their attitudes towards other characters or the environment, or the unfolding events. "Slowly, little by little, the viewer comes to realise that the inner world holds the utmost significance. Read, observe and seize every moment both in books and in life itself. The artist embraces her freedom in choosing her techniques and how to apply them. For instance, a mushroom may surpass a boy in size, as the story is about looking for and finding a mushroom, and above all, about the profound joy of discovering one. Quietly, new doors are opening, revealing a world of fresh perspectives beyond the written words, waiting to be embraced. Unleash your imagination and broaden your horizons! In Anna Vaivare's illustrated books, children not only improve their reading skills but also immerse themselves in the captivating language of visuals. Moving forward in this manner, the artist's potential seems boundless. The next step has now brought full authorship – the debut illustrated book with her own text, co-authored with Inese Zandere, and illustrations: Anna Vaivare Otrais koncerts (The Second Concert; Liels un Mazs; Riga, 2024).

Anna Vaivare attended Riga State Gymnasium No 1 (2003–2006). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering from the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning of Riga Technical University (2013), and her journey was further enriched through the ERASMUS programme at the Polytechnic University of Milano (Politecnico di Milano), Italy (2008). She earned her Master's degree at the Graphic Art Department of the Art Academy of Latvia (2023), a journey enriched by her experience in the ERASMUS programme at the Illustration Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent, Belgium (Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten van Gent, 2020).

In her book illustration style, she has crafted significant urban landmarks in Riga, such as Ziemassvētki 2022 (Christmas 2022) posters, their garlands, and poster columns, etc.), several wall paintings in the Tallinas Street Quarter, Riga (2019). Her artistic journey continued at the Patilte Gallery in Čiekurkalns, Riga (2021), and reached across oceans to grace a house with her painting in Seydisfjordur (Iceland, 2022).

Anna Vaivare has collaborated with poets such as Inese Zandere, Imants Ziedonis, Ēriks Bērziņš, Leons Briedis, Julia Bird, poet and architect Gunta Šnipke, writer Agnese Vanaga, and others. She has also worked with publishing houses including Liels un mazs (Riga), The Emma Press (Birmingham, UK), and the union Grafiskie stāsti, which publishes the comic journal Kuš! (Riga). Her illustrations and comics have been featured in various international journals since 2011, in countries such as Austria, the USA, Germany, and Finland.

For her children's book illustrations, she has received several awards and nominations in Latvia and garnered international recognition, including being a finalist in the illustrators' exhibition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair (2023).

The artist has held several solo exhibitions in Latvia and participated in over 20 book illustration exhibitions, fairs, and festivals both in Latvia and internationally, including in Italy, Iceland, the UK, Lithuania, Finland, Spain, Germany, and more.