Anna Quinn

A handbag is a vessel for keeping valuables and secrets near. Exploring forms associated with the broad category of objects we call vessels gives this body of work its sculptural quality, with emphasis on bold shape and hard line. These forms come, inevitably, from the world around us – inspiring a desire to reflect the beauty of color, texture and form perceived there. Exaggeration of these elements plays an important role in my work. There is an intrical balance between form and function – overemphasize the idea and the utility is lost, and vice versa – the process of locating that balance has an ephemeral quality to it that is almost dance-like. The results of this dance, the bags themselves, are produced in two mediums. They are constructions of leather and other skins with frames fabricated in sterling silver, hand tooled, some with metal inlay. They are individually handcrafted in my studio. This body of work represents a temporary resting-place in the dance between form and function. Attaining these finished pieces, that have artistic merit and also “work”, provide the motivation and drive to continue exploring new ideas and new balances.