Exploring movement through colours and 3D forms
- Anna specialises in parametric design
- Her main inspiration is architecture, geometry and nature
- Her works are displayed in galleries in London and the US
Anna Kruhelska is a visual artist creating abstract three-dimensional artworks made from folded paper. Her background, however, is in architecture and in her 15 year career as an architect she designed high-end residential buildings, 5-star hotels and luxury apartments in Russia, Malaysia and the UK. Although she enjoyed it, her professional work didn’t leave much room for artistic expression. Therefore, in 2018, she began experimenting with pleating fabrics later turning to paper which proved to be the best material for her work. What is striking about Anna’s work is that all the pieces are folded, glued and assembled by hand with meticulous attention to detail. The process is very repeatable as each relief consists of 40–1,000 individual pieces, but the artist finds it very calming and relaxing, almost like a meditation. The end result is fitted in wooden frames with a front glass eliminating light reflections which creates a unique effect dependent on the viewer’s perspective. Her parametric designs are exhibited in prestigious galleries such as the Woolff Gallery in London and LRFA in Houston and Dallas, US.
Interview
- Can you describe the process of creating your artwork?
- I always start drawing shapes and forms using 3D computer software and try to find repeating patterns. When I am satisfied with the project, I still have to translate 3D models to 2D, so that they can be cut from a flat sheet of paper by a plotter cutter. Once individual shapes are cut they need to be folded and glued manually. After hours of folding and gluing, the whole panel can be assembled.
- Why did you choose craft over your career?
- The main impetus for a career change was the desire to create something artistic, something that would not have to meet a whole pile of guidelines, rules and regulations – as is the case with architecture. I hoped that the creative process will give me joy and fulfilment – and it certainly has.
- What influences your craft?
- I love minimalism and simplicity and I am fascinated by patterns, texture and the play of light and shadow. My art combines all these inspirations.
- What would you say to a young professional who wants to follow this career?
- Do what you love and do not focus on the end result. Continuous improvement of your craft and work on new projects will pay off in the end.
Anna Kruhelska is a rising star: she began her career in 2018
Where
Anna Kruhelska
