Anna Gunnarsdóttir

Hvitspoi

Fabric sculptor

©Anna Gunnarsdottir

Inspired by Iceland

All Anna's work is inspired by the unique Icelandic countryside
Her recent artworks express the climate changes affecting Iceland
To Anna, a well made work always shows the emotions of the artist

Textile artist Anna Gunnarsdóttir lives and works in Akureyri, an important port and fishing centre in northern Iceland. Anna combines traditional Icelandic felt making techniques with a contemporary and fresh approach, having developed her own way of felting, characterised by a strong Scandinavian and minimalist style. She uses solely wool coming from Iceland sheep, a local breed with a unique fleece. Anna's work is based on the idea of light and shadow, and she creates large sculptures and 3D wall pieces for both indoor and outdoor use. She has gained international recognition for her sculptural work, which has been exhibited across the globe from Australia to the US, the UK, Germany, Sweden and France.

Interview

©Anna Gunnarsdottir

©Anna Gunnarsdottir

How did you get into felt making?: I have developed this art for more than 35 years. I started by studying textile design in Akureyri, my home town, where I now run my own workshop and gallery. Then I went to Denmark to study leatherwork and sculptural felt making for one year.
What's your working process?: All my work is hand felted from Icelandic wool with soap and water. I use only my hands and no machine. When the work is ready and I am satisfied with it, I use a method to stiffen it, in order for it to hold the proper shape.
What inspires your work?: The shell form in various sizes, which I develop all the way from a small brooch or a lamp right up to a big sea shell. I have been developing this shell form for more than 20 years, and it is very close to my heart. Sometimes I use fish line, wire, willow and stones for extra decoration.
Can you describe a memorable moment in your career?: It was a few years ago, at the opening of my first solo exhibition called If I Were an Angel. A little girl came up to me and told me that she saw angels sitting on my work. It was an unforgettable moment.

Anna Gunnarsdóttir is a master artisan: she began her career in 1985 and she started teaching in 1999