Angie Cairncross

It is almost impossible to resist touching one of Angie Cairncross’s fibre creations. The colours glow and the fabric itself is layered, embroidered and embellished into something extraordinary. Angie has a deep affinity with colour and texture but for her, art should also be practical. She turns fibre into glorious scarves, cuffs, bags, hats, garments, cushions and more. It’s all about beauty in the every day.

Angie says she has been fiddling with fibre forever.

“As a child I learned to sew, knit, embroider and crochet with some creative and interesting results! Over the years, these adventures extended to courses in batik, dyeing and screen printing. Last year, my drawing and design skills were extended by studying visual arts at Whitireia Polytechnic."

Angie trained as a Social Worker, and spent many years in the social services as a policy analyst, funding adviser, manager, and project worker. Three years as the Co-ordinator of Vincents Art Workshop allowed her to experiment with many different art forms.

"I've made a real shift into the creative arts – but I believe in both the social services and art you work from the heart – I just have more of a chance to use my hands now and to work visually.’’

Angie always comes back to fibre, attracted by its tactile nature and because she likes her art to be functional. "For me, it’s about making beautiful things people can use in their daily lives. I love colour and think carefully about what colours I put together. Nature is a real inspiration.’’

"I enjoy the feel of fibre and texture is a key part of my work. Recent excursions into felting with wool have been the result of learning through books and experience (and a little help from her mother). I think the medium has a lot of potential and is relatively unexplored – expecially nuno felting." Felt is the oldest fabric known and is made by soaking and pounding layers of wool to form a durable fabric. Nuno felt uses a woven fabric as a base and wool fleece on the top, which becomes firmly bonded to the base.

"My work is all about the joy of colour and texture so feel free to stroke my work or try it on - enjoy!"

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