Ann Wheeler. Making:50 (detail) 2023
Ann Wheeler. Journey of the River Test
Ann Wheeler. Insights
Ann Wheeler. Insights Sketchbook
Ann Wheeler. Tipping Point (detail)
Ann Wheeler. Tipping Point
Ann Wheeler
Artist statement
I am a freelance tutor and exhibiting artist and taught City and Guilds embroidery at Fareham College, Hampshire, for many years. I worked for over 20 years as National Advisor and External Verifier for the City and Guilds Creative Studies. I am a member of the Textile Study Group and the Westhope Group and have exhibited both at home and abroad.
I have had an obsession to create for most of my life. I enjoy the opportunity of working with local amateur groups on community stitch projects, sharing my love of art and textiles with them.
My own work is very process lead. I like the feel and reaction of different materials as I work. The act of drawing and recording ideas in sketchbooks, of nature, the countryside and using historical research, leads to sampling and development. The research and planning, influence how I resolve my final work and is an important part of every experience.
I enjoy the challenge of working with fabric and thread, either by hand or machine and the research needed to produce a design. My other great love is lacemaking and trying to get the historical technique acknowledged in a modern context. It certainly doesn’t have to be worked with fine threads on a small scale. The use of a larger scale and a variety of thicker and challenging threads can be exciting to explore and needs a willingness to sometimes compromise.