Artist Bio
Originally from the Coleraine/Ballymoney area, Anna studied in the then Cumbria College of Art and Design, the moved on to graduate from the BA Hons course in 3D Design (Ceramics) at the then University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Wales. Anna worked as a workshop facilitator and part time tutor, then found herself working in the theatre, TV and film industry as a props maker and scenic painter; in 2017 Anna rediscovered ceramics, and this has been her focus from then on.
Anna works primarily as a ceramics and mixed media artist. She creates a range of sizes making small figures, functional vessels, and jewellery at one end and large-scale figurative, sculptural works at the other. Starting with stoneware crank, Anna exploits the expressive and forgiving nature of the clay through a combination of hand building and press moulding, often incorporating contrasting textures. These are derived from directly manipulating into the surface of the clay, applying slips at different stages and a variety of glazes, often layered, conjuring up the rich aesthetics of erosion and corrosion that in of itself suggests a story, a timeline.
Often choosing to use the human form as the foundation onto which she builds narratives, Anna explores the projection of identity and the power of body language, even the most subtle. These narratives can evolve throughout the whole making process, there is rarely a definitive plan of how a piece will end up.
The other common element of her work is mixed media, though not on every occasion. Anna has always been drawn to objects that have a history that can be seen through surface textures and through their obvious wear and tear. Attached at the end of the making process, objects including old rusty metal, parts of dolls or costume jewellery. provide another contrasting layer of texture, context, or form, be it representing a body part or a character affirming prop. Ultimately, Anna wants her work to invite the onlooker to imagine and create their own narrative for each of her pieces, encouraging them to touch each one to experience the tactile qualities she has sought to give them.
