Anna Benifield is a mixed-media artist and certified Master Birder based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Working primarily in hand-cut paper collage, she reimagines John James Audubon’s iconic Birds of America through a contemporary, feminine lens. Her work draws deeply from the rhythms of Southern landscapes, weaving together naturalist precision with artistic intention.
Her pieces have found homes with discerning collectors across the South and beyond, and she has collaborated with prominent interior designers to place her work in design-forward homes that honor both heritage and modern living. Her artwork was showcased in the 2023 Lake Forest Showhouse in Chicago, and she has been a participating artist in celebrated shows including Trinity’s Spotlight on Art, The Loyola Art Show, and the Thomasville Wildlife Arts Festival. Benifield’s practice reflects a reverence for place and intention, offering a fresh perspective on the natural world while echoing the storytelling traditions of Southern folk art.
Artist Statement
As both a naturalist and an artist, my work lives at the intersection of scientific curiosity and creative expression.
I’m drawn to the details and rhythms of the natural world, especially the birdlife and ecosystems of the Southeast. My art is a way of noticing—of slowing down and paying close attention to the beauty and complexity that often go overlooked.
I find deep inspiration in the work of early 19th-century naturalists, most notably John James Audubon. Like Audubon, I approach each subject with reverence and curiosity. But while his illustrations aimed to catalog and define, my work seeks to reinterpret and reimagine. Through a feminine, contemporary perspective, I approach each bird not simply as a specimen, but as a subject for layered, expressive interpretation—inviting viewers to see each bird as both familiar and newly seen.
Often , my process will begin with research and field observation, followed by sketches and the creation of hand-painted papers that capture the subtle variations of feathers, foliage, or shadow. Each element is cut individually and composed layer by layer onto wood panels. The result is a work that invites a slower gaze: the depth and precision of the collage revealing something new upon every return.
This meticulous process is deeply intentional. Every step—from the initial study to the final cut—is done by hand, with care and precision. My foundation in design and systems thinking continues to shape the way I build each collage, balancing craftsmanship with intuition. In a world that often rushes past beauty, my work seeks to create a pause—an invitation into stillness, connection, and wonder.