Check Out Ann Harwell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Harwell. 

Hi Ann, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started sewing as a child. As an adult after working in dressmaking and bridal gown alterations as well as menswear, I had developed the skill to make anything with fabric. In 1977 I made my first quilt from a commercial pattern. I wanted to make something completely different. I wanted to make my own patterns. I started folding paper to make patterns, similar to origami and ancient tile patterns, I made kaleidoscopic quilts with the scraps of fabrics that I had collected and saved using the paper patterns. I entered competitions ranging from the NC State Fair to National and International Quilt shows. In 1999, I won a Fellowship from North Carolina. In the same year, I was accepted and rented a studio in downtown Raleigh at Artspace where I learned so much from the other artists and patrons of the arts. My work has been shown and has been purchased all over the world in Japan, Taiwan, Germany, France, the UK, Australia as well as the US. I am lucky to still be able to make what I want to make in my home studio… 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, there have been many struggles. I have three grown sons. A career combined with parenting is never easy. My husband’s career as a Firefighter made parenting more difficult because of his demanding schedule. Financially, we were always insecure. I think almost every Artist struggles financially. My greatest obstacles have most recently been health-related. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In December I had deep brain stimulation surgery. However, I have been more prolific with my work in the years since my diagnosis. It helps to have a home studio. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and insistence on craftsmanship. I especially like to unite and enhance diverse fabric designs and colors with intricate, precision piecing and exorbitant quilting. My quilts are constructed like fine garments; seams are strong and straight; corners are sharp and points are precise… I am most known for my astronomy-inspired series. I am most proud that I can still do this and that inspiration continues to bubble up. My tools are the same as they were in 1977. I only own straight stitch un-computerized sewing machines. I use no glue or adhesives–everything is sewn. 

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I was lucky to get early attention and training from family members who taught me to sew and started giving me fabrics to collect. Santa Claus gave me a sewing machine when I was 5 years old. 

Pricing:

• I price all my work by the square inch. $2.25 per square inch

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.annharwell.com
• Instagram: annjharwell
• Facebook: Ann Harwell Art

Image Credits:
Dick Cicone