Anne Worsley is one of the epitomes of being a colorful, modern Davaoeña. Her vibrant personality is matched with her creative interests—modeling, singing, TV hosting, and now one of Davao City’s women painters.
“When I was young, my mother taught me to sing and always supported me whenever I wanted to join church choirs, singing contests, and other festive events in our community. I remember that I really wanted to join the audition for ANG TV Davao, but when I saw the myriad of people, I gave up even before trying since I felt like I would not be good enough to get in. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful one-time experience of doing a duet with ABS-CBN’s Davao host, Joey C, during a Saturday show of “Sayabadabado”, Anne recalls.
During Anne’s college years, she was part of a local band that performed gigs both nationally and internationally. When they got to stay in Dubai for a time, she delved into modeling and enrolled in Diva Dubai—a modeling school and agency that exposed her talents to different shows and events. She won third place for Dubai’s Calendar Girls in 2003 and also won the heart of a British national before settling in Davao City and getting married in 2004. Currently, they manage and own the local businesses like: Outback Grill Restaurant, Zoofari Children’s Play Center, Castle View Resort in Samal Island, and the recently opened Altitude Trampoline Park—and if those weren’t enough to manage, the happy couple also have three wonderful boys!
Anne had to stop painting when she moved to Dubai to pursue her singing and modeling career, but after going back home and having their kids, she decided to take up one of her first loves again—painting; and luckily, her three boys are picking up an interest as well.
“I never had any formal art training, it was just my grandmother who taught me how to draw. I really enjoyed spending time with her while observing and learning through her sketching. That was when I developed my skill and knack for translating on paper anything and everything that caught my eye—from cartoons, to celebrity portraits. I have come to recently admire the works of the Russian-Israeli artist, Leonid Afremov,” the artist shares.
In contrast with her admired artist—who uses oil to paint, Anne’s medium of choice is acrylic, because she is fascinated with its multitude of vibrant colors—reminiscent of her character. In terms of output though, the two artists do have similarities of lively energy and a colorful palette choice. Modern impressionists have the ability to slow down time, as the audiences are pulled in closer to a world of half fantasy, half reality.
“I can very much relate to the late Mr. Afremov’s words: “True art is alive and inspired by humanity. I believe that art helps us to be free from aggression and depression.” The subjects that I am inclined to paint are about gardens, landscapes, lovers, and fairytales—anything that is light and makes me smile. Apart from the fact that I have a kikay personality, I believe that art’s main purpose is to exude happiness more than pain,” Anne beautifully states.
While working on the family’s business, taking care of the kids, and still accepting part-time gigs like singing, hosting and local TV commercials, the artist has also been actively participating in the recent Davao art exhibits and has received positive feedbacks and have sold a few of her creations—truly, for Anne Worsley, being a “basic” Dabawenya is not an option.
