Biography

From the Prairies to the Gallery

Ann Haessel's creative journey started on a farm in Southern Alberta where she learned to embroider. Over the years, she became a very proficient hand stitcher and eventually started creating her own patterns.

In 1986, Ann did her final piece of hand needlework. As this process was proving too slow and tedious for her, she began to explore machine work to execute her many creative ideas. She treasures the importance of good workmanship although she realizes that fibres have a life of their own and cannot always be controlled.

She has developed a style that is her own, which is contemporary with an interesting combination of colors and shapes. Her art is usually bright and cheerful with much of her work being based on social issues.

Because of Ann's passion for fabric and its manipulation, she has retired from her sales career and works full time on her fibre art. One of her current joys is participating and exhibiting with a group of mixed media fiber artists from the Calgary area, "The Free Spirits". This group both challenges and supports her creativity.

Ann's work, which is often thought-provoking, needs to be seen up close to appreciate her attention to detail and her embellishments. Ann is presently moving from fibre into mixed media but fibre remains her main medium.