We talk to Producer and Photographer Anna Groth-Shive on her diverse projects, leisure dreams, and NYC tips. (btw you may also want to check out her beautiful instagram account: @annashive/)
What do you do? How did you get started?
I’m a commercial producer of both print and motion projects, and I do my own photography work as well.
Where do you find inspiration?
Through travel and history, in my friends, in a beam of perfect warm light.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I travel a lot so nothing is really typical, but if I’m in New York and the weather is nice, I’ll ride my bike to my office in Brooklyn. I’m usually planning for an upcoming production so lots of calls and emails and research – which maybe doesn’t sound that fun! - but the vibe there is great and my co-workers are amazing so it often just feels like extremely productive hanging out…
What is your relationship to Osei Duro?
I met Maryanne and Molly when I was spending 4 months in Ghana in 2014 on a kind of a later-in-life ‘Gap Year’ I created for myself (I was needing a significant break from New York City and a draining 9-5 and wanted some time and space to focus on my own work) We hit it off right away and I loved the line – both the look of it and the ethos behind what they were creating- so we decided to collaborate on a lookbook for that season. It was so fun! [ed. note: I can confirm, we had a great time].
What’s your favorite Osei-Duro piece in your wardrobe and why?
Hard to choose but I’d say the Nima Long Dress is what I’ll be living in all spring and summer! It’s so comfortable and easy – and I get compliments every time I wear it! I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of the gorgeous Theca coat from the upcoming season. I’m gonna rock that ‘till its threadbare.
Describe your perfect day off.
A sunny day up at my boyfriend’s house in the Pennsylvania woods. Maybe a flea market in the morning or a country drive. We’re working on finishing the house so we’d get in a few hours on a project or two followed by a big dinner on the porch with visiting friends.
What are the top 3 places we should check out in your city?
The Tenement Museum is wonderful and a fascinating peek into the city’s history. The new Whitney Museum on the High Line is pretty perfect. Do a Chinatown art gallery stroll and get lunch at Xian Famous Foods.
Is there any music you’re loving right now?
I like to listen to a lot of older music and the last few years I have been into getting reissues or mixes from outfits like Light In The Attic Records, Mississippi Records and Numero Group. Helado Negro is another favorite musician of mine from Brooklyn.
You’re hosting the dinner party of your dreams. Who is invited (anyone, dead or alive) and what’s for dinner?
Patti Smith, Alan Rickman, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Karl Ove Knausgaard and Idris Elba. I’d roast a leg of lamb (with plenty of grilled veggies for Lee, respectfully)
Recommend something to us!
Have you seen that app that shows you all the constellations in real time when you point your phone at the sky!? What a world we live in, guys…
