Anne Waggot Knott

Responded to artist Francis Marshall

REP^IR: Forms for the Future

Anne used a short residency at Cove Park to immerse herself in the behaviour of recycled and repurposed materials, in and with the landscape. She was seeking sustainable ways of building handmade 3D paper forms.

Partly inspired by Francis Marshall and his use of found objects, the paper she made and sculpted was a direct product of place, using foraged organic matter, cotton from her old clothing, rainwater, and studio waste. She used a Japanese starch paste to bring unique strength and flexibility. No chemical treatments, no pollution. This paper behaves like fabric. It will take a stitch, it will fold and crumple. It ages like us, feels like old skin or leather.

The process explores resilience, frailty, and circularity. While making the work Anne was constantly observing the environment, responding to pressure, flow, light, and time.

This small group of sculptures forms a dynamic, tactile, sustainable exhibition which flicks an elegant two fingers at the wasteful paraphernalia of white cube fine art shows. The whole exhibition scrunches down to small, light load, fits in a rucksack, can be taken on public transport. Each time it is installed it will take a slightly different shape and form, never the same show twice. It has been shown at The Whitworth Art Gallery and Kendal Museum People’s Gallery.

The project moved Anne’s practice forward quite considerably. She has innovated, created new knowledge and new formats for her work. These experimental techniques help her reduce her impact as she moves through the world.