Manchester artist Ann Lines is gaining recognition for her innovative paper fashion designs ahead of the 2024 Paper on Skin competition in Tasmania.
An emerging name in the realm of paper art, Ann Lines, an artist from Manchester, England, is making waves with her intricate and innovative designs in paper fashion. As the 2024 Paper on Skin competition in Tasmania approaches, Lines’ work is receiving attention for its combination of artistry, environmental consciousness, and craftsmanship.
Lines’ artistic journey began with a background in metalwork, but she soon discovered the tactile possibilities of paper. “Although my art degree focused on metal work, I found myself drawn to the more tactile nature of paper after graduation,” she recounted in an interview with All Things Paper. A pivotal moment came during her time working at a school, where she was confronted with the vast amount of discarded paper. This sparked her interest in paper recycling, driven by a desire for greater creative control and a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Through what she describes as a journey of trial and error, Lines mastered the art of creating recycled paper, which is integral to her work. Each piece begins with meticulously hand-rolled strips of her handmade paper, crafted into forms that bring her fashion creations to life. Lines uses electric heated mitten gloves to ease the strain on her hands during this intensive process.
One of her notable works featured at the Paper on Skin competition is titled “Grace.” The vivid yellow dress, inspired by the elegance of the 1950s, showcases her ability to transform paper into high fashion. In an informative post on Instagram, she explained the craftsmanship behind a paper pearl necklace that complements the dress. “I crafted a pearl necklace to complement the ‘Grace’ dress using paper pulp, shaped into half pearls using a silicone mould. A sturdy paper twine was seamlessly sandwiched between the two halves,” she detailed.
Lines’ social media presence on Instagram, where she can be found under the handle @annmadepaper, showcases the evolution of her artistry. While she initially experimented with two-dimensional framed pieces using household materials to enhance her handmade paper, in 2022 she fully embraced three-dimensional aspects, creating predominantly paper dresses, along with an array of matching accessories such as handbags, shoes, and hats.
Her works often demand considerable time and effort. A striking red dress completed in the summer of 2024 was notably labor-intensive, comprised of hand-rolled strips glued into diamond shapes to create the fabric. Lines invites followers to witness her creative process, making a point of highlighting the intricate techniques involved in her fashion projects.
Most recently, she has explored the theme of nature with a leaf-inspired ensemble that includes a dress, handbag, and shoes, utilizing paper twine to emulate the delicate veins of leaves. With each piece, Lines continues to challenge the boundaries of what can be done with paper.
As Ann Lines prepares for her participation in the upcoming competition, her work stands as a testament to the possibilities inherent in art made from recycled materials. Following her journey on Instagram provides a window into a world of creativity that emphasizes innovation and a deep respect for the environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services
