Meet the Maker: Anita – Dockside Drifter

Life is a Journey

Sometimes an artist’s journey begins with years of planning. Other times, it begins with a happy accident.

For Anita of Dockside Drifter, that moment came unexpectedly — not in a studio, but while trying to catch dripping resin during a pour. A spare canvas was placed under a vase to protect the surface… and what emerged was a perfectly matched companion piece. A mistake turned into magic. And just like that, a new direction was born.

What started as a creative outlet has now grown into something much deeper: a calling rooted in joy, experimentation, and self-expression.

When Art Became More Than a Hobby

Anita’s turning point didn’t come from a gallery opening or a formal declaration — it came from other people noticing.

“When other people noticed and wanted it,” she shared, “that’s when I realized it wasn’t just a hobby anymore.”

That external validation paired with an internal truth: creating is what makes her happy.

The Creative Voice

Rather than following strict influences, Anita is guided primarily by self-awareness and intuition — choosing what feels right in the moment rather than what’s expected.

Her approach to technique is refreshingly honest:

“Almost always experimentation.”

There’s no pressure for perfection here — just movement, color, flow, and discovery.

What Art Means Today

In a fast-paced world, Anita believes art serves a simple but powerful purpose:

“For me personally, it’s the peace I feel making art.”

That sense of calm is woven into each resin pour and layered canvas — a visual reminder to slow down and breathe.

Life Beyond the Canvas

Before fully leaning into art, Anita spent years as a registered nurse and is now semi-retired — a life of care evolving into a life of creative care.

If she weren’t making art today? She might still be helping others in a hands-on way — but now, the healing is done through color and movement.

The Outer Banks as a Muse

If Anita could claim one OBX landmark as a personal studio, it would be: Avalon Pier.

Her favorite local hidden gem for inspiration?

“The aquarium. I love a stroll through to see the regulars! Calming activity.”

It’s easy to imagine how the slow glide of marine life and shifting ocean tones find their way into the fluid nature of her resin art.

The Soundtrack Behind the Work

Music fuels the creative process — whether real or imagined.

The soundtrack in her head while working? “The one in my head.”

Cleaning the house? “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” — Whitney Houston

If the studio had a theme song? “Sound of Sunshine” — Michael Franti

Bright, upbeat, and full of motion — just like her work.

Artists She Admires

If given the chance to swap lives with another OBX artist for a week, Anita would choose: Any coastal or wildlife photographer.

The shared love of movement, light, and nature connects these mediums in quiet ways.

The Real Challenge of Being an Artist

As a newer artist in the Outer Banks scene, the hardest part isn’t the creating — it’s the selling.

“I’m trying to get a foothold on the whole ‘selling’ part. I need to have more faith in my own work.”

And honestly? That honesty is something many artists can relate to. Confidence grows with community — and that’s exactly what ShopLocalOBX exists to support.

Shop Anita’s Work on ShopLocalOBX

Curious to see what Anita is creating right now? You can browse her latest resin and pour art pieces and support her directly through her ShopLocalOBX profile here

Each piece reflects the same calm, movement, and experimentation that define her creative journey.

Shop Dockside Drifter