When you first gaze at the work of Ann Wood (aka Woodlucker), it’s hard to believe that her flowers, fruit, and insects are all made of paper. Everything, from colorful petals to delicate butterfly wings to clumps of dirt, is made by Ann. Using a variety of materials—including wire and paint—she carefully studies every subject that she emulates. Doing this allows her to understand, on an intimate scale, the species and is reflected in her work. “I start by dissecting live flowers,” she explained this past summer, “most from my garden, then I sculpt and paint each bloom.”
Ann began making flowers after the passing of her father. “On the last day of his life,” she told Lia Griffith, “he was commenting on how beautiful certain plants were outside. I could not get his words out of my thoughts. He was a farmer and growing things was a big part of our life. Flowers began to feel so universal to me. I could see other’s flower projects on Instagram and fearlessly started giving it a try.” With a background in mixed media sculpture, wood carving, embroidery, and painting, Ann says she “made it up my way—how I saw things.”
After I moved to Minneapolis, I had the chance to meet Ann (in person) and visit her studio. Her space is both a tidy work area as well as a gallery for her finished pieces. They’re even more impressive in person!
Follow Ann’s paper making on Instagram.
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