Collection: Ann Willey Arts

My paintings and rug hookings portray a world where myths, fairytales, dreams and everyday life overlap and intermingle. The scenes created in the work hint at a narrative, but they act more like a poem or haiku, providing a quick glimpse into a world below the surface. In the tradition of magical realism, the objects, animals and figures have the potential to represent more than just themselves and could, at any moment, transform into something else.

Sometimes in the work I am exploring personal aspects of our lives including traditions of care and compassion. In other pieces I'm exploring psychological realms and journeys. It's important when I work to let my mind wander, allowing for an element of play and spontaneity.  What the imagery may be about is revealed slowly to me over time, and I hope the paintings engage others in a similar way, as they make connections and narratives of their own.