Anne Daniel, Nautilus

Description

Anne Daniel
Nautilus
Harakeke
400 x 550 x 100mm
$440

Hokitika based artist Anne Daniel creates sculptural fibre works using harakeke (New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax) grown in her pā harakeke. Her process is guided by head, hands, and heart, and each piece evolves through direct engagement with the material. Fresh harakeke is highly responsive. Anne shapes the forms while the fibres are pliable, allowing tension, twist, and structure to emerge. As the material dries, it contracts and settles, completing the form in ways that reflect both intention and the fibre’s own behaviour. She highlights the natural colour of harakeke and incorporates the spotted rau/leaves and imperfections that occur naturally, treating them as integral to the work rather than flaws. Many pieces can be reoriented when hung, creating different shadow patterns and spatial relationships. The shadows cast by the sculptural forms are an active part of the work, extending its presence into the surrounding space. Her practice centres on material behaviour—observing how harakeke shifts, dries, and holds—and allowing those movements to define the final sculptural outcome.