CULTURAL EXPRESSION

Born in Mexico, artist ANA KANE now lives in Wilmette with her family. Passionate about uncovering beauty and design in every corner of life, Kane’s work is deeply rooted in her Mexican heritage. Her vibrant pieces weave narratives inspired by culture, textiles, the female form, wildlife, and vegetation. A hallmark of Kane’s artistic expression is her signature headless portraits, which encourage viewers to explore human identity through body language, clothing, and other visual elements, bypassing traditional reliance on facial expressions. Her paintings, crafted primarily in tempera grassa on canvas, exude texture and depth, while her delicate watercolor drawings on paper showcase her meticulous attention to detail. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Monterrey, Kane expanded her artistic education at institutions including Parsons School of Design in New York City and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. While her travels have significantly shaped her perspective, Kane now draws much of her inspiration from her immediate surroundings. Her Illinois backyard,brimming with squirrels, rabbits, and intricately woven bird nests, offers a constant source of inspiration.These natural elements fuel her exploration of the interconnectedness between nature and human expression, bringing a fresh lens to her art. In between painting and raising her young daughter and son (both an inspiration and an occasional distraction these days), Kane shares how she stays current in a colorful world.

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“I keep a drawing of our family, made by our 5-year-old daughter, as a bookmark in Fernando Corominas’ Positive Education. While I deeply admire the author, finding time to read is a challenge. When my kids are asleep, I often use that quiet time to paint.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“I’m a big fan of country music and some-times dive into Broadway musicals for a change of pace. I also enjoy podcasts that fuel my passion for education and creativity, like the Painters Today Podcast and Arts Entrepreneurship Podcast. They keep me motivated and inspired.”

ON HER MOBILE

“I follow several artists who inspire and challenge me, pushing me to create more, including @tomassanchezstudio, @littlepurpleflowers.art, @mestizmx, and @monicafernandezb. Interior design is another passion—I follow accounts that show-case color, patterns, and unique elements that make homes truly special including @sophierobinsoninteriors and @alexproba. Lately, I’ve been nesting in our new home, creating a sanctuary that reflects my style. Having spaces where I can model objects for painting has made a huge difference in my focus and creative momentum.”