Anne Guest
My art explores the uncompromising cycle of life, the fragility of existence and the passing of time.
I have always been fascinated with animal bones and skulls, dead butterflies and insects, feathers, birds nests and dried seed heads, all of which I collect and display in my studio as my own ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. These were also known as Wunderkammer and were first established in sixteenth century Europe. They comprised collections of objects that were displayed to give the viewer a sense of a world full of mystery and wonder, blurring the lines between myth and reality and allowing the viewer to come to their own conclusions. Something I aspire to.
My work often uses symbols associated with the traditional art genres of memento mori, vanitas and still life which are all associated with the transience of life and earthly pleasures and the ever present threat of death.
I use the cyanotype process to make most of my artwork as I love the fact that cyanotypes are created in partnership with nature allowing chance and the weather to collaborate in the process.
I aim to create work that is a poignant reminder of our own mortality and vulnerability as well as invoking a sense of awe and wonder.
