Annabel

I studied Fine Art Sculpture at Brighton University and explored working with paper and embossing as my medium during my time at University. I got a job with a book design company for a few years which was a delight but never paid enough to live on. Frustrated, I retrained as a plumber and life got in the way of art. Eventually I came to my senses and with the help and encouragement of Ian Philips I started reduction lino-cut print making. The theme of Lost at Sea forms my printmaking as portraits of fictional people who were lost. Their portraits hint at their stories and misfortune.

 

Over lockdown I needed something gentle to occupy my mind and my hands so I started studying and making paper flowers. I was inspired by some paper flowers that I had gotten whilst being a witness at my friend’s wedding. I loved that I have a beautiful memento that wouldn’t fade and made my house more beautiful.

As soon as I started making them I felt like I had come home. The paper engineering muscle memory kicked in and the joy of forming something beautiful made me calm. I have been inspired by local wild flowers, we are very spoilt with the variety in Mid Wales but also I make more traditional cut flowers in paper blooms. I love the idea of receiving a beautiful paper flower keepsake in the post especially as its so difficult to see all of the people we love.