Annette Marie Townsend

Wax worker

©Annette Marie Townsend

Botanical wonders

Wax is Annette's medium of choice
She is an Icon (Institute for Conservation) qualified Natural Science Conservator
Her work explores nature and the theme of protection

Annette Marie Townsend’s work is inspired by nature and the desire to communicate the beauty and fragility of the natural world. “When I first started working at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, I used to sit at the large wooden table in the herbarium, drawing illustrations of plants for scientific publications. One day a colleague took me to the store room where all the Botanical specimens were kept and showed me the cabinets and boxes full of beautiful wax plant models. I was mesmerised by them and I knew at that moment that I wanted to learn how to make them.” Because nowadays only a few people work in wax, she taught herself how to do it by reading the notebooks and archives of the botanical artists who had worked at the museum before her.

Interview

©Annette Marie Townsend

©Annette Marie Townsend

How did you become involved with the National Museum of Wales?: I was studying printed textiles. The tutors on my course encouraged us to practice our drawing skills and each week we studied flowers. When I graduated, my portfolio was full of flower illustrations which led to my work in the Botany Department.
What drove you towards wax?: Wax has been used as a sculpting material for hundreds of years, particularly in the facsimile of biological material, because of its lifelike, translucent qualities and because it can be cast and sculpted into a form whilst remaining slightly malleable.
Why is the natural world so captivating?: I focus on small delicate details that might be hidden or overlooked. I love the infinite complexity of microscopic patterns, the richness of natural textures and the composition of miniature habitats. I’m also influenced by the urban environment that surrounds me.
How do your sculptures come alive?: Plant sculptures are created with an internal support frame made from mixed media. Wire, silk fabric, paper, cotton thread and glass beads – depending on the structure. Therefore, I use many techniques: mixing and colouring wax, coating wires, dipping and forming fabric, tying and fusing parts together and applying external paint finishes.

Annette Marie Townsend is a master artisan: she began her career in 1995 and she started teaching in 2000