Hi, I'm JoAnne and and I have enjoyed making and teaching in a range of crafts for over 30 years. I started my journey in traditional arts as a lacemaker in the bobbin technique before side-stepping into the needle style of laces. In 2002 I completed a Visual Arts Degree at the Winchester College of Art and since that time I have applied my skills to installation artworks and the creation of hand-made lampwork beads. Today, trading as ArtisAnne, I work from my studio in Wiltshire to design and create styles of affordable, contemporary jewellery and artisan gifts.
Magic droplets of colourful glass, formed into unique neckwear, earrings, bangles and lasting gifts.
My work in traditional folk art with techniques and materials that vary widely around the globe and through time.
Join one of my workshop courses to learn a range of crafts and bring out your creativity.
My original installation art designs, brought to life as private commissions or public projects.
This collection of work spans nearly 30 years during which time I’ve explored the nature of space and our feelings towards it.
I’ll be adding new art as I develop it and continue to showcase my glass art, in the form of selected jewellery: Made in the Flame.
I attended Winchester College of Art, completing a degree in visual art in 2002. My degree thesis and final show concentrated on small spaces: those we enter as adults, places we build as children, natural and man-made nooks and crannies. There is something special that happens in our minds and emotions when we take time to sit quietly in a small space, affected by past experiences, memory and culture. Much of my work explores these feelings, together with an interest in the body and themes of loneliness, solitude and isolation.
Today, I find my continuing interest in techniques is still a driving and innovating force.
Revisiting the work I made at college and immediately afterwards has been a really interesting journey. As a course tutor foretold, I can see a lot more artistic value now in the installations, many of which have survived and matured, together with the photos taken at the time.
A lifelong interest in dens and small hiding places underpins my art which continues to depict a sense of 'alone-ness' and the potential for difficulties in communication. I believe this feeling affects most of us at some stage of our lives as we walk around, peering out of the body we inhabit, trying to make sense of the world around us.
University certainly taught me you can’t control exactly what a viewer perceives and takes away from any art. Each person has a different background so a piece will resonate in a different manner depending on their individual cultural and life experiences. This has been quite liberating, but it comes with a responsibility for the artist because each item, photo or word can and will affect the viewer's understanding.
With the passing of time and the addition of words, which I was unable to write at the time, this photographic record of five years' work has been pulled together into a cohesive whole. I hope you enjoy this retrospective showcase and experience meaningful resonances with your own life.
In recent years I have developed my skills to focus on glass art and in particular the creation of lampwork beads, creating jewellery, gifts and smaller ornaments. The theme of space that runs through my installation work is echoed in the layers and depth of these feature beads, trapping light as well as glass cores and buried decoration.
My parallel, professional, career introducing young people to the variety of art and the satisfaction of producing it for themselves reminds me learning is a lifetime’s endeavour. I work hard to enhance my own skills, identify and master new ones and seek to teach and train others, of any age, in a range of crafts; some modern, some traditional and ancient. Sharing in this way to ensures technique and knowledge is not lost and that more people can discover the joy of making things themselves.
My Wiltshire studio is the hub, resource centre and creative space for everything I produce, and the beautiful surrounding countryside is just one source of ideas. My faith too inspires and informs much of my work, along with my life experiences and a developing understanding of aspects of the human condition. As I continue this journey I hope you will not only enjoy the things I have created but be inspired to begin your own foray into making art.
From time to time I’ll be posting videos that illustrate the techniques of glass art and showcase selected installation works.
JoAnne is a gifted artist who has the ability to create things of beauty from a wide range of materials. Her creativity prompts us not only to observe her work but also to relate to it with our emotions. It has been my pleasure to see her art evolve and grow over many years. I can only encourage you to linger over a piece of JoAnne's work that you relate to and enjoy.
Joy, Exhibition Visitor.
Your piece [Genesis] reminds me of a church or a space capsule. Maybe a church for our longing to understand what's greater than us. Seen from the inside, lit up from the back, the paper turns into swirling galaxies. From the outside it looks more like the microcosm of biology, cells and microbes. I particularly like Adam [Soft Body] shown inside out though, the size makes the thought of our common ancestor very human and intimate. The patches he is made of reminds me of all the different kinds of people supposedly sprung from the same source.
Tobias, Exhibition Visitor.
Sat in the middle and felt the power. [Genesis]
Peter, Exhibition Visitor.
Every home should have a Bethesda. We are spiritually renewed and inspired to face the world again.
Brenda and Jacky, Exhibition Visitors.
Marvelous range of creativity: some of the photographs are quite spectacular. I have enjoyed seeing it all.
Mary, Exhibition Visitor.
Exciting. Touching. Sad for the situation a person can experience. An emotional experience for me. [Cells and Mannequin]
Josie, Exhibition Visitor.
The figures in this context [Cells and Mannequin] are provocative and evocative. Context has a strong creepyness. Interesting. Thankyou.
Chris, Exhibition Visitor.
The child [Mannequin] is very moving and in a perfect setting to reflect on the emotions it evokes. I thought of adoption and the difficulties of healing for both adopters and child.
DD, Exhibition Visitor.
JoAnne's Small Spaces evoke the embryonic childhood stirrings of independence from the adult world, manifestations of projected security from perceived emotional threats.
Phil, Exhibition Visitor.
Fantastic jewellery! I've bought JoAnne's beadwork for friends and relatives of all ages. Everyone has been delighted with their presents.
NC, ArtisAnne Customer.
JoAnne's work is original and well made and has been a regular source of pleasure by providing presents to myself and friends.
AM, ArtisAnne Customer.
Trendy, good value for money and designed and made solely by JoAnne.
HW, ArtisAnne Customer.
I would be delighted to hear from you: to discuss my art, availability for exhibitions, commissions and purchase enquiries for existing works and jewellery.
Use the contact methods below to get in touch and keep up to date, through my social media channels.
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874010 5177 (0) 44+
