Annie was born in Wee Waa, (turn left at Moree) and literally did not “pick up a brush” during her childhood years. She was more interested in sewing, a passion that continues to this day. One of the cushions in an eclectic collection of pretty cushions in her bedroom is embroidered with the word “explore.” The word sums up how Annie has lived her life. During “her other life” as the manager of Thomas Cook business travel in Melbourne, she just decided one day; “There’s more to life than this.”

To balance things in the stressful corporate sphere that she then operated in, Annie was the stage manager for the local theatre, where she met Judy Nunn who stayed with her during play-runs in Melbourne. No doubt an outlet for Annie’s undoubted creative talent. Judy was a catalyst for the many changes that Annie instigated in her life.

With no job prospects looming and no real plans, Annie told her boss at the travel agency, “I’m leaving.” She had vague ideas of going to Perth, but Judy Nunn invited her to go to Sydney to stage manage a children’s play she had written. Also, Annie’s mother became very sick, so she decided to take 1987 off. “I needed a change of direction,” she said. She’d always wanted to paint and sing, so on a whim she thought, “I’ll go to an art class.” She went along to an art shop in Mosman and started drawing, as she says “like normal people.” But when she switched to painting something magic happened. (Not Annie’s term.)

Her teacher said he’d always wanted to paint the way Annie was painting, and instructed her to “sit in the corner and just paint.” She eventually worked one day a week in the shop to learn about painting and framing, and at the students’ exhibition at the end of the year, she sold all of her work. “Only four,” she says modestly. Annie was obviously going to be a master of naive art, “the people’s art.” During her “year off” she did art, china painting, kiln glass painting and folk art classes. After her sabbatical, her life did a complete 360 degree turnabout which saw her open a shop in Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains. She found herself again “painting in the corner,” and customers pressed her to teach, which she did for 7 years, with 7 classes a week. A form of the “rat-race” was catching up with her again.

During this time, she met and married David Howe. They were married for six years.

Annie then had another big life change; she left her husband, sold the shop, the house, and all the furniture and went to Italy! No-one could ever accuse her of indecision.

She went to Perugia, Umbria and studied the Italian language for 3 months at the Stranieri University, the University for foreigners. She then moved to Montepulicano in Tuscany, and spent the rest of the year in an apartment where she painted and “chilled out.” She practised her Italian, her mother came to visit...life was good. “I was never coming home,” Annie said. “I had no possessions, only cookware, art books, and a couple of family treasures.” The exploring continued. After a 3 month visit with friends in England, and another visit with friends in America for a month enjoying New York with all it has to offer, Annie suddenly decided it was time to come home, and as she says “take responsibility for myself.” She had planned to live in Sydney, but had always loved the Highlands, and we were lucky enough for her to move here. Annie thinks that Bendooley drive down the Old Hume Highway is very reminiscent of Italy, which she also loves.

“I love the Highlands,” Annie said, “and mum’s moved down here now as well.”

Life still has it’s ups and downs, but the future is looking good for this gentle rebel. “I’m bowled over by people wanting to buy my paintings, I get “chuffed” that they would actually want to hang my work in their home,” the naturally gifted artist said.

Annie welcomes commissions for art, and her fabulous “painted patchwork” heirloom quilts. Apart from the Patchwork shop at Berrima, you can find her on her web page: annieholcombe.com.au. Keep exploring Annie.

Life philosophy: “Never give up.”