Artist’s Statement
I am a librarian and an artist. These two aspects of my life are intricately connected and feed one another.
As an artist, I enjoy working with transparent watercolor pigments, which allow the whiteness and texture of the cotton rag paper to show through. I am fascinated with the connection paper has to nature, history, and books. I also like the dichotomy of paper as a material that will last for centuries and stretch as tight as a drum, yet also a one that can be torn to shreds or burned in an instant. Watercolor paint is the perfect complement to paper. I am mesmerized by it’s transparency, brilliance, and flow. Its unpredictable nature forces me to let go of control and work with the medium rather than force it.
I am also experimenting with other media such as Japanese woodblock printing and bookmaking. I am attracted to the Japanese style of woodblock printing in part because it uses watercolors instead of oil-based inks. The style also meshes nicely with bookmaking. As a librarian I have a natural affinity for the book – its beauty, functionality and power. I am also learning to stretch the definition of a book and how it can be translated into alternative media such as video or sculpture. For example, I have begun work on a series of shrines. Making shrines is my way of creating visual poetry – something in between bookmaking and sculpture. My shrines are hopeful prayers offered up to those who are close to me as well as those whom I can only hold in my heart.
You can find my artwork for sale at serendipityartist.etsy.com
Biography
Annette Haines is an artist living in Plymouth Michigan. She holds an Associates Degree in Commercial Illustration from the Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan. She also holds a Masters degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Annette recently exhibited work in a group show entitled “From There to Here: the A&D International Exhibit” at the Slusser Gallery in Ann Arbor, MI. More work by Annette can be seen at her Etsy Shophttp://serendipityartist.etsy.com
and from time to time in the halls of the University of Michigan’s School of Art & Design where she works full-time as the Art & Design Field Librarian.
August 7, 2007 at 11:57 am
Where can I purchase the pattern for the Shell Fringe Scarf by Deanna K. Van Assche that you made? It looks like something I would like to try.
Thank you,
Vicki
August 7, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Hi Vicki,
I found this pattern and materials at the Knit A Round Yarn Shop in Ann Arbor. You can find out more about this shop including their contact info at http://knitaround.com/
I hope you enjoy knitting this scarf as much as I have. I’m currently knitting my third one!
Annette
August 7, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Annette,
Thanks for the tip. I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn..ha! I also wanted to say that I spent a lot of time in Nick Wroblewskis tent at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. He does some beautiful work. Anyway, thanks again,
Gregg
March 3, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Annette, I am currently knitting this same scarf (Deanna’s Shell Fringe Scarf) and am having trouble with the beads. I purchased 3 tubes of size 6 Japanese seed beads, strung them onto my yarn and started knitting. My bead shop said 3 tubes should equal 1 hank; they don’t carry this size beads in hanks, only strands and I thought tubes would be better. I am working from both ends at the same time and will graft the scarf in the middle when done. My problem is I have 11 3/4″ of scarf and am out of beads!! Is anyone else having this problem? I went into the bead shop and they only had one more tube and I figure I need 5 more to make a 36″ long scarf. How long are your scarves? Thanks for your time, Isabelle
March 6, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Hi Isabelle,
Don’t panic! this is not a very long scarf. I don’t have mine anymore to measure it exactly, but 11 3/4″ per side for a total of about 24 inches seems about right. It’s not the sort of scarf that one would wrap around the neck, but rather drape over the shoulders so you can see the lovely beadwork on the edges. Hope this helps. Good luck. – Annette