In 1936, a talented, beautiful American artist ran away to Mexico City to escape a boring marriage, marry an exciting lover, and join the “big three” Mexican muralists—Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Siqueiros. This is the story of my search for who Annette Nancarrow was, her adventures in an historic period in Mexico, her work as an artist.

Artist on the Edge is the story of Annette Nancarrow, an American artist who has remained in the shadows for far too long yet influenced a unique moment in history—1935 through 1955—in Mexico City. It’s a story about longing.

Sidney Pepper and Annette travel to Mexico City in 1935 where she will meet and fall in love with Louis Stephens.

There are few forces more powerful in our lives than falling in love. Especially if we’ve been filled with unsatisfied longing for a more exciting life. Sometimes love seems worth risking all security, leaving everything known behind.

In 1936, 29-year-old Annette Pepper fled her marriage to staid New York attorney Sidney Pepper to join the love of her life, Louis Stephens, in Mexico City.

Although throughout her life Annette Nancarrow would enjoy other relationships, “Stevie,” as she called Louis Stephens, would be the love of her life. He was a compelling man—they could not resist each other.