Anne Gibbs (b.1966) lives and works in Cardiff. She studied Fine Art, specialising in printmaking (1994) and undertook postgraduate courses in teacher training, PGCE (FE) (1999) and a master’s degree in Ceramics (2004) at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. Anne’s artistic practice is a fusion of influences stemming from still life painting, cabinets of curiosities and collage. Early experiences of play growing up in the South Wales valleys, instilled an instinct for make do and mend and staging scenarios. Her current assemblages are informed by these artistic sources and early childhood experiences. She collects natural materials and man-made objects from a wide range of sources, which are then transformed, altered and restaged. Combinations of cast, handmade and found objects are playfully composed in precariously balanced tension. Anne creates contemporary still life assemblages, which are, minimal, quiet and curious.
Anne has exhibited both nationally and internationally, including Greece, Canada, Korea and America. In January 2015 she received a Creative Wales Award from the Arts Council of Wales to take ‘time out’ for a period of twelve months to research and further her career in the field of ceramics. As part of the award she travelled to Japan to experience Japanese culture and to receive lessons in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Recent group exhibitions include the Young Masters Art Prize 10th Anniversary (2019) with the Cynthia Corbett Gallery, London, Award, British Ceramic Biennial (2015), Fragile? The National Museum Cardiff (2015), Earth at Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales (2012) and Placement at Oriel Davies and Fife Contemporary Art and Craft Centre, Wales and Scotland (2011).
Anne’s work was shown at Collect in 2018 and 2015 at the Saatchi Gallery, London represented by Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales. She was selected for artist in residency positions at ‘Makers Using Technology’, Design Wales Forum, (2014) Wales, Heatherwick Studios, Aberystwyth, (2013) Wales and Cove Park, Scotland (2009). Her work can be found in public collections in Wales, USA and Korea.