
About the Artist
Bio
AnnMarie Celesté, a Minnesota-born, Atlanta-based artist, blends storytelling, mythology, and naturalism in her paintings and illustrations, crafting immersive worlds where the legendary feels real. Drawing from her Asian American heritage, folklore, art history, and medieval fantastical traditions, she reimagines old stories to create new narratives, using oil paints and digital media to breathe life into the fantastical.
Her work spans a wide range of styles, from abstract compositions to detailed portraiture, seamlessly integrating mythical beasts and influences from her cultural and artistic background with her experiences. Her work invites viewers to step into forgotten tales and explore the space between reality and myth.
Artist Statement
The human race would not exist without stories.
From warnings of dangers, records of history, and sources of entertainment, narratives shape our understanding of the world, connect us across millennia, and preserve the beauty of existence. As a painter, I draw inspiration from the enduring legacy of storytelling. My work explores the powerful links between humans and fantastical beings—whimsical creatures, extraordinary people, and otherworldly beasts—and their interaction with a multitude of human narratives through form, composition, and historical research. Influenced by my heritage as a mixed-race artist, personal experiences, and the stories I cherish, my art is an ongoing exploration of self and interest.
Drawing on a vibrant, colorful, naturalistic style informed by the PreRaphaelites, Medieval iconography, and East Asian culture, I incorporate techniques and narratives from past masters in every step of my process. In my work, I am particularly invested in combining iconic chronicles and characters from both Eastern and Western cultures and cultivating a space for them to interact. In my paintings, I forge new histories, blending those I hold dear with forgotten or lesser-known tales. My craft is a strategy to navigate my existence, uncover beauty in the details, and contribute to the ever-growing tapestry of creative human connection.