"The hand in the dye pot, part of primal human experience for many thousands of generations, is reluctant to relinquish its spontaneity, its imprint, in exchange for results determined in part by sophisticated software and still cumbersome electronic tools. I am persuaded by the predominance of direct handwork that what most of us want and need as artists are as few filters as possible between our hearts, minds and hands, and the images that manifest through our unique touch. We may or may not have clear intentions as we proceed, but surprises, accidents, unanticipated marks and their relationships occur, and if we are open and attentive we let them show us the way. When too many pathways have been charted for us we tend to fall into the formulaic. This appears to take the breadth and breath out of the work, depriving it of its life force."

This is the homepage of an artist who has given up the security of a salaried job to stitch at home (in isolation?). She feels it an honour and a blessing to be healthy and supported by family and friends, near and faraway, to give it a try.

Ann Ridge responded to the vocation for stitched art in 1988 after attending a course for drawing and design in the U.K. Having a lack of formal education in art she acquired it intermittently by attending courses and workshops during a 3-year diploma course at the Stitch-Design Art School in London. After gaining the diploma in 1991 a major part of free time and vacations were spent on improvement whilst working in a variety of secretarial or personal assistant positions in Switzerland.

Now freelancing since 2000 as quilter/embroiderer to increase skills, learn photography, use the computer and focus on personal expression, despite dwindling concentration. Also teaching at home and by invitation some machine embroidery and other techniques acquired from renowned British and American artists to students in Switzerland and Spain.

Work publicly and privately owned in Switzerland, France, Spain, Germany, Australia and U.K.