Ann is an award winning fiber artist from Titusville, Florida. She has long been fascinated by the tactile feel of fibers and has a keen eye for natural materials in the world around us.  Her interest in environmental causes is reflected in her work which often begins with recycled materials.  Loom woven wall hangings include branches and grasses as well as yarn. Ann’s handmade paper incorporates petals, leaves, and spices or is embossed by seed pods. 

Her current work is palm skin baskets made from the fiber that attaches the palm frond to the trunk on certain tropical palms. The baskets may be functional containers or a sculptural statement. Where others see tree trimmings on the side of the road as a pile of yard trash, Ann sees potential works of art.

“Every piece of palm fiber is different depending on the species and the season. Each has a personality.  I never know exactly what I will create until I begin to shape it.  Once dried, the basket tells me what sort of embellishment, if any, or what plant or animal I should woodburn on the surface.  It’s such a hands-on process that I really feel I am collaborating with the materials.  My goal is to allow others to experience this gift from our tropical paradise.”