Ann Naustdal – Winter Dormancy in my Garden

During the last few years arid landscapes have been Ann’s theme. These tapestries have evolved over time, nature is present and with it organic

and botanical references. Arid landscapes attract Ann. They can appear like barren wastelands but are often landscapes of biological and aesthetic richness. Her recent tapestries were the Forest Floor series relating to the aftermath of a forest fire when the forest’s circle of life starts its restoration. She wanted to capture a place and a moment in time, as part of a larger narrative about fire destruction and renewal.

A new tapestry is on the way, another arid landscape, not about destruction and renewal, but about dormancy before a new spring. In Ann’s studio garden, shrubs, weeds and herbs are preparing for winter dormancy. The variation of green colours is slowly muted into browns, tans and greys. She follows them through the seasons to see how the colours and shape of the plants change; the stems become more visible and the leaves less so. It’s about waiting and renewal. Ann makes smaller tapestries like “Winter Dormancy in my Garden” to try out the theme before starting on a larger tapestry.