From Graduation to self Employed Artist
We're shining the spotlight on Take Two student and textile artist Ann Mechelink, who writes about going from graduation to being a self-employed artist in her own words...
Ever since I was a little child, I dreamed of becoming an artist. And since a very young age, creativity has always felt like something I NEED to do. It’s been my outlet and comfort - whether through pencils, paints, or my grandmother’s lessons in crochet, knitting, and embroidery. Growing up in a traditional environment, I was taught to view art as a hobby, not a career. So, for decades, I worked in administrative roles. It wasn’t until I moved from Belgium to Ireland in 2005, following my heart, that I began to reconnect with my artistic passions.
The fact that my Belgian qualifications weren't recognized in Ireland turned out to be a blessing. I worked various jobs until, in 2009, I enrolled in an arts course at McEgan College. I finally took the plunge into my artistic journey, and by 2015, I graduated in Contemporary Applied Art / Textiles from Crawford College of Art and Design. My graduation exhibition, where I showed my work for the first time to the public, was both thrilling and terrifying.
I soon discovered the strength and fragility of paper as a medium, and through research, I encountered Joomchi, a traditional Korean paper-making method. The tactile process of folding, unfolding, kneading and crumpling mulberry paper became a form of meditation for me, allowing me to express deep personal emotions and thoughts. This work became a healing journey, and when people connected with the message of my pieces, it gave me a profound sense of pride.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I turned to nature for solace. Moss and lichens became my focal point, symbolizing healing, hope, and resilience. I created a 'moss series', using circular shapes to represent unity and connection, themes that became central to my work. As I delved deeper into weaving, a skill I had learned as a child, I discovered its organic, freeing nature. The lockdown gave me time to experiment, and I found that weaving felt incredibly natural to me.
I embraced Irish wool for its authenticity and connection to the landscape, and the use of locally sourced materials became a hallmark of my work. Throughout the pandemic, I exhibited online and gained exposure through social media. Despite these digital opportunities, I’ve always valued the unique experience of physical exhibitions where the direct interaction with the audience is profoundly rewarding.
In my work I enjoy playing with light and dark, alluding to the times of day, to the colours of stones and stone walls, playing with the changing colours of the greens, incorporating different shapes and forms and playing with depth and distance. Still, green remains the main colour in my work, always looking to evoke a sense of hope, tranquillity, stillness and peacefulness.
My work continues to develop, embracing themes of nature, connection, and healing. I believe art should inspire hope, promote empathy, and encourage people to slow down and appreciate the ‘small’ things in life. Traditional skills like weaving and crochet, passed down through generations, are essential to keep alive in today’s fast-paced, digital world. I create my art by hand, nurturing a slower, more mindful way of working and living.
In addition to my personal artistic practice, I’ve worked on community projects, such as 'What Colours Our Lives' and 'Home', to foster connection and belonging. Your local community can be a powerful supporter of your work, especially when you're starting out.
As an artist, I continually seek inspiration from the world around me. While digital spaces offer convenience, true inspiration comes from real-world experiences - whether in a gallery, museum, or the natural world. Stay inspired by engaging with your surroundings, not just a screen.
You can see more of Ann's work on Instagram, Facebook and on her website.
To connect with more talented Fibre and Mixed Media artists join the Fibre Arts Take Two Community Group.