Anne Andersson

ELBLINNEN

Weaver

©Michael Marczok

©OlafAndersson

©Michael Marczok

©LasseAndersson

©AnneAndersson

Textile for today

Anne is an experienced weaver
She believes craftsmanship should never be dogmatic
Her textiles aim to meet the demands of the present day

Textiles and weaving techniques have always been of great interest to Anne Andersson, who first encountered a large loom at the age of 17. “It filled the whole room and it absolutely fascinated me. It was at that moment that I realised the difference between handicraft and craftsmanship.” Building on this new perspective, Anne embarked on an apprenticeship with Annedore Iwersen and attained the rank of master of her craft in 1990. In order to further develop her aesthetic language she then studied graphic design. Today, Anne's work can be understood as textile graphics, creating the illusion of a third dimension with strong structures of warp and woof.

Interview

©Michael Marczok

©AnneAndersson

What is a special perk of your craft?: The fact that you can only work at one project at a time. Once the loom is set up it is occupied until the project is finished since the warp in the loom has to be woven off before you can move on to any new project.
Is forward planning central to your craft?: Indeed. Unfortunately it is often perceived as a lack of flexibility. But considering that the planning, preparation and setting up of the loom is about 30-40% of the work involved in a project, and that the finishing work accounts for 10%, it is an absolute necessity.
How would you describe your creative process?: It is a very physical method of creation. I can completely immerse myself in patterns and colours, and the loom becomes the extension of my hands and feet.
How do tradition and innovation appear in your work?: My techniques and patterns are very traditional. Innovation is found in the adaptation to the present day in terms of material properties, composition, and format. Craftsmanship should never be dogmatic and must always be in tune with contemporary demands.

Anne Andersson is a master artisan: she began her career in 1983 and she started teaching in 1990