Artist Ann Carrington Turns Discarded Objects in Elegant Sculptures

Image Source: WomenCreate.com (Ann Carrington standing in front of oversized coins on the wall that she sculpted from flattened tin cans)

To me, art is visual poetry. I am always in awe when I see or read about the consequential work of an artist I never knew existed.  Taking found objects and turning them into an elegant piece of sculpture is one that takes imagination, patience, and perseverance. British artist, Ann Carrington is known for creating elegant sculptures using discarded objects such as knives, spoons, buttons, cans, and coins.

In her studio pictured above, what appears to be a bouquet of silver flowers is actually crafted from silver forks and spoons upon closer inspection. What imagination it takes to delve into the possibility of what could be and what wouldn’t have been had you not tried.

The use of discarded, found and multiples of objects is a fundamental element of my practice. All objects are saturated with cultural meaning which, as an artist, I seek to explore, unravel and investigate. Mundane objects such as knives and forks, barbed wire, pins and paintbrushes come with their own readymade histories and associations which can be unravelled and analysed if rearranged, distorted or realigned to give them new meaning as sculpture. – Ann Carrington

Image Credit: Ann Carrington (Sugarland)

Image Credit: Ann Carrington (Jackpot)

Image Credit: Ann Carrington (Franklin)

Image Credit: Ann Carrington (Sheng Fa Wave)

Image Credit: Ann Carrington (Kalapula)

I like to explore and unravel the stories within an object to make a new narrative. -Ann Carrington, Artist

Cheekwood has named international sculptor Ann Carrington as the 2024 INTERVENTIONS artist, with an exhibition running June 29 – October 27, 2024. Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate. Originally built as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek in 1929, Cheekwood is one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate. Since being converted into a museum of art and botanical garden in 1960, Cheekwood has presented world-class art exhibitions, spectacular gardens, and a historic estate unlike anything else. Inspired by the gardens at Cheekwood and the Cheek family, Carrington’s installation will include 33 works throughout the period rooms.

Click here to check out Ann’s incredible collection of masterpieces in her gallery.