Ann Dunbar — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Apr 30

Apr 30 Ann Dunbar

Biography

Ann Dunbar, is an international awarded artist, born in England and now living and working in Paris, France.
Her art is fascinating, both in its technique and expression. Swathes of vibrant silk and cotton threads embellish the painted backgrounds. The marriage of embroidery and painting on paper is her signature work. Her art not only reveals a passion for the natural world but also represents a history of her travels Her art reminds you of a forgotten part of us that is buried deep within us.
Ann’s work has been subject to 40 solo exhibitions and participated in over 120 group exhibitions. Her art has enabled to her to travel the world and take part in 4 residences in Italy and has been exhibited world-wide. Not only has she acquired 50 awards and diplomas for her original technique, her work can be found in private collections and 7 public permanent collections in Europe and China and Japan.
Ann is a member and sponsor of Textile and Fibre World-wide listing, and many other art associations, Institutions and art Organisations. She is represented by Paola Trevisan, (Italy), Context Gallery, Shoalhaven Fine Art Gallery, (Australia ) and G &C.Gallery, ( UK).

Artist Statement

My expression is figurative with a romantic, impressionistic style worked in a contemporary way. At close inspection you will discover a multitude of silken threads juxtaposing and layered intricately stitched onto a painted base, prepared with soft wet-into wet ethereal backgrounds in water media. The inclusion of embroidery to my water colour came about after many years of experimentation and is the magic which make the compositions come alive. The embroidery is applied layer by layer, thread by thread and with using a large range of tones and hues, the resulting effects give three dimensional effects, a particular luminosity and an exciting density of textural surfaces. These colourful touches and strokes enhance the form and structure of natural forms such as, flowers, leaves, gardens, trees in a landscape and rock pools. My interest is to capture the spiritual essence of the natural world with positive vibrant energy, to communicate the hidden, fragile beauty and to enrich one’s soul with meditative, peaceful and evocative scenes, offering to the spectator a profound emotive response, unlocking memories, releasing passions, love, dreams, desires, happiness in moments of contemplation.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

From an early age I loved to draw and my parents instilled in me love for nature. A cornfield was my playing ground and I have fond memories of stacking up haystacks making a den which I used to hide and observe the wildlife. I loved dens where I felt safe. As the youngest in the family, I was often left alone to amuse myself with useful activities such as reading, sewing, and later cooking. I made my own clothes, thanks to my mother and aunt, both of whom were gifted French (Belgian) needlewomen. I also admired the many intricate lace pieces made by my Grandmother. I drooled over the delicate and precious pieces which appeared very luxurious, especially a certain black lace dress embroidered with roses in ribbon and silk and encrusted with jet beads. Without realising it at the time, textiles and art became an important aspect in my life. I recall my father buying me a paint box and my mother requesting me to paint her a horse. When completed, I was so touched that my father framed it and it followed them wherever they went. It had pride of place in the dining room too, when they moved to their new home in France for their retirement. I own it now, and it’s a constant reminder of their encouragement. My destiny to become an artist was signed and sealed from then on, however it was not as straight forward as that.I was offered a place at Art College after schooling but again thanks to the wise advice given by my parents I attended University to obtain a teacher’s diploma, which I finalised in 1975 at Battersea College of Education. It was a fantastic year for me: I was engaged to my husband, won first prize at a painting competition in Streatham, London, and at my teacher training finals art show (textiles and fashion), I was so lucky to be recommended by the examining tutor to follow a three-year arts degree in textiles and art, which I was so happy to accept

What kind of artist do you ultimately see yourself?

I will like to think that I have become an expert and well known in using my mixed media and embroidery together as an unusual and unique technique. I see myself expanding my International exposure and to have work placed in more Museums. One day I will create my own foundation or museum.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

After thirty years of practice, I will like to think that my art has played a role in educating, delighting and bringing awareness of our fragile natural world. I have, as all of you, many things on my mind during these troubling times of uncertainty. I take my brush and sew to my heart’s content and suddenly all the troubles fade away. It is my intention to bring such positivity into my art, sending colourful peaceful vibes to my viewer. I wish to be remembered as an artist that had a heart and passion for transmitting happiness and gratitude for all that is given to us free on this planet. The pandemic reminds us that there are no differences or borders between those who suffer. We are all at risk, fragile and mortal beings, I look at the essences and forces of nature through my art to encourage healing, understanding of human existence.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

I start with watercolours producing dreamy romantic washes which pulls together the scene and adds the ambience to many pieces transposing feelings of calm, serenity and joy. Precious silken threads are used to stitch over the surface of the painting, layer by layer, an original combination of different threads and stitches sewn in various directions and thicknesses, adding depth and rich textures applied freely by machine. The charm of embroidery gives a touch of luxuriousness and three-dimensional effects. The intricate stitching is known as “free needle painting”, is like an enchanting magical wand bringing out vividness and lifelike quality to the composition’.

What is your favourite part of the creative process?

As it happens I love all the processes involved, from conception to the end product, however, I must add that it is truly the embroidery that creates the magic;I somehow, I lose myself into my imaginative world.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration or what we can look forward from you in near future?

The last 12 months have changed my outlook for the future due to the closure of galleries, salons being cancelled and art fairs on hold. I have been more active on my social media and have followed online coaching in order to be able to sell and market my art online. Next projects: From mid-April, I will participate in an online worldwide exhibition with the VAA ( Visual Artists’ Association), three-month exposure and marketing plan to introduce to my present and new audiences, recent work on “Rockpools, now available on my website and soon on other platforms like Singulart. In June, I will be collaborating with another artist to have a month’s virtual reality show in June. Theme to be concluded, but each of us will have 25 paintings for sale. I will be releasing a new body of work in the autumn and winter period. In between these launches, I intend to create large pieces for the luxury market and to seek collaborative projects with art consultants and or do commissioned work for corporate collections. I will have coaching sessions to guide me in this venture. I have also taken an active part in participating in certain book publications for extra International exposure.

Website www.anndunbarart.com

Instagram www.instagram.com/anndunbarart

Facebook www.facebook.com/anndunbarart