ANNIE STRACHAN
Due to the fact that I work almost exclusively with recycled materials, a large part of my practice involves the processing of these. I have a constant rotating system with buckets of shredded paper that I soak in order to turn these into pulp. Overall, I try to be as low impact as possible, from reusing water to doing much of the work manually, rather than using power tools. One of the things I have found to be both challenging and rewarding about working intensively with paper pulp, is learning what the limits are with this material and devising new techniques to get around these.
“I think there should always be space for introducing a bit of original design or art to your home and if the piece in question performs a practical purpose too, then there really is no excuse not to. Why should everyday objects look the same as everyone else’s? It might be just a doorstop, but to look at that thing everyday and remember exactly where and how you found it is such a great feeling.”
These are the types of irreplaceable pieces that create special memories and attachments for children growing up and define your sense of taste and originality as an individual too.
I work from a studio based in South East London. It’s a space that definitely feels very personal to me and I would say has had a significant positive impact on my mental health and general wellbeing. The materials I work with are mostly collected during journeys between my home and the studio. The lack of consistency of availability means a great deal of time goes into sourcing these. As a result, I am always on the look out for good pieces of cardboard or wood, and if I see something with potential, I’ll make sure I figure out how to get it home with me - no mater how awkward the size or shape.
However, I feel like working in this way also affords me a degree of freedom because I am less restricted by the financial constraints of traditional sculptural materials and can invest more in experimentation.
Annie Strachan's work sits at the intersection between art and design, taking influence from a range of sources including; classic Hollywood cinema and the work of avant garde architects, furniture and fashion designers alike.
Currently based in South East London, she graduated from a BA in Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art & Design in 2011 and has since continued to develop her practice with a focus on functional artworks intended for use within domestic environments.
