Pod I, Flax fibres and linen thread, 6cmx6.5cm
Dearcàn II, Manilla rope fibres and papier maché, 8cmx9cm
Egroes, Flax and jute fibres, 5cmx8cm
Anne Harrington-Rees
Anne Harrington-Rees initially studied Landscape Horticulture at the University College Dublin in Ireland; she had successfully lectured Amenity Horticulture at Otley College in Suffolk and ran a gardening business for several years. Due to injury, a career change into basket-weaving seemed only natural; having originally self-taught herself the appropriate skills she then completed a HND in Design Crafts at the Coleg Menai in Bangor, Wales during 2000-03.
Anne has worked as a self-employed artist since 2003, creating sculpture using natural fibres, combining her horticultural roots with art; her recent exhibitions include Chelsea's Craft Fair in London and 'VERVE' at Ruthin Craft Centre in North Wales (2005). As a member of the Fibre.Art.Wales association, she has exhibited throughout London, Ireland and Harrogate, and continues to be a member of the Basketmakers’ Association, Wales Association of Community Artists and the Soil Association.
Since finishing her degree, Anne has also trained in Community Development and The Theory and Practise of Delivering Arts Workshops in Schools/Arts Facilitator Training; she has provided workshops in natural fibre sculpture at the Ruthin Craft Centre during 2004-05.
I use natural fibres – flax, jute, raffia, pine needles, linen thread, and New Zealand flax – to create small sculptures which are inspired by natural forms, architecture, vessels and movement. I am very conscious of environmental issues and therefore set out to make work which uses natural and renewable resources, which does not impact on the environment in a negative way. The work does not necessarily replicate specific structures or forms found in nature. Some forms emerge as I’m making: others I plan in advance through drawings and reference to photographs I’ve taken over the years.
I use the traditional basketry technique of coiling which has enabled me to create work that shows the development from soft fibres to rigid structures, and the contrast between regular stitching and looping wrapped strands. The materials and contrasts echo the work I previously did in gardens – combining hard and soft elements within both formal and informal settings. I tend to retain the natural colours of the fibres, as to dye them may detract from the construction of the piece. The sculptures range in height form three to thirteen centimetres, are very tactile and retain the smell of fibres from which they’re made.
Anne Harrington-Rees, 2009