Former teacher from primary to adult levels, in New Zealand, England and Sweden; farmers' wife and mother, hockey player, tramper and skier, gardener, and housework evader, now less active but still very alive grandmother and committed lifelong learner, for most of her life Angela has had a passion for making things, and enjoying art.
Art using many materials, often including fibre, is an ongoing challenge and fascination, which since 1989 has included feltmaking. Control over the numerous combinations and variations of dyeing, fibres and fabrics bonded into the surface, the relative speed and magic of the process, as well as the 2500 year old, world wide tradition, all add to the continuing attraction of felting for her. Uses from functional to artistic are explored.
Now after setting up her working studio in Lawrence in 2006, plans for much more of her own production and deeper exploration of the possibilities of media combinations, not all of it felted, take shape for this year and beyond. To share the fun and the skills she will continue tutoring for local and national art and fibre groups, adult classes, schools and individuals.
Artist’s Statement:
Colour and texture are important elements in my work, whether working with dyes on fibres or fabrics, through felting and stitching to enrich the surfaces, or with drawing and painting or collage. Ideas or experiences and places are explored and translated into different mediums, leading to finished works which may be framed or free hanging, and often have several layers of meaning.
Ruth Hadlow and Jeannette Appleton are acknowledged as tutors of particular influence.
Qualifications and achievements:
Diploma in Teaching 1964
Advanced Studies for Teachers unit passes, Department of Education, NZ:
The Adult Learner, The Adult Learning Experience (1986)
The Adult Teaching and Learning Experience (1987)
Massey University Education Level 2 paper, A Level Pass, The Adult Learner, (1991)
Teacher Refresher courses attended in 1983, 1985.
Other tutored Courses: attended 1982 to 2006, see detailed list below.
Awards: Central Otago District Council Community Service Award 2000, for service to the arts in Alexandra.
2004, REAP Central Otago, outstanding tutor award.
Artistic Achievements
Exhibited in selected exhibitions:
Norsewear Awards Exhibition (twice)
Nelson Wearable Arts festival
National Woolcrafts Festival Exhibitions (since 1989)
Cleveland Awards Exhibition
Invercargill, Riverton, Riversdale, Arrowtown, Alexandra, Roxburgh and Lawrence Exhibitions (colour, fibre and art awards winner)
Opotiki Fibre and Fleece Exhibition, 2006
Included as a Craft Artist in book ‘Crafted by Design' by Jeannette Cook, published Random House, 2005
Member, and exhibitor with COOTS (Central Otago fibre Artists group), exhibitions in Arrowtown, Auckland and Dunedin, since 2003.
Participant in Alexandra Stonecarving Symposium 2004, Alexandra Thyme Festival, and Art in the Garden 2008 and 2009
Participant in international collage exchange 2001
Tutoring since 1990, including at National Conferences of New Zealand Spinners, Weavers and Woolcraft Society (Creative Fibre), and New Zealand Embroidery Guild workshops since 2004.
Selling work since 1980’s
Current personal challenge:
Using a Windows laptop as well as my good old Mac
Improving and running this website, and making time to blog too, while still producing work, and tutoring, and doing everything else life demands!
Short Course Education Record and Tutors acknowledged:
2006
Marion Gorr, using procolour dyes.
Wairarapa REAP for teaching me how to set up a website and use Rapidweaver programme.
2005
Attended Geelong Forum learning alternative photographic processes with Robert Renfrow
2003 to 2004
Explored carving with limestone and took part in a carving symposium. Continued working with fibre and dye and informal learning with COOTS group.
2002
Yvonne Chapman (Australia) Wearable art and fabric decoration course 5 days (Wanaka)
Liz Hall stone carving weekend
2001
Web pages for beginners CO REAP
Richard van Dijk Jewellery 5 days (Wanaka)
2000
Ruth Hadlow (Australia) 4 day course fibre, design and working processes
Glenys Mann (Australia) 5 day fabric and stitching techniques (Wanaka)
Jeannette Appleton (England) 2 day advanced feltmaking class
1999
intermediate level computing course CO REAP
1998
beginner level computing course CO REAP
Mark Lander 5 day flax paper making course (Wanaka)
Polly Stirling (Australia) 4 day nuno felt making class
1993
Leonie Wight 2 day design workshop
1992 to 1995
Pottery workshops, attended national conference, and designing and making for own handmade tile business. Tutors Frederika Ernstein, Pippin Drysdale, Brian Gartside, 1 and 2 day courses
1990
Chad Alice Hagan (USA) 3 day felt course
David Swift (England) 2 day design course
1988
Bobbie Cox (England) 4 day course tapestry and design
1982 to 1987
courses on dyeing and weaving techniques and craft business and display, by tutors including Mary Beeston (Australia), Maxine Lovegrove (NZ) , Clotilde Barrett (USA), Anna Day (NZ), Helen Telford (NZ), Albertje Koopman (USA)