Ralph Simpson - Biography
Nationally acclaimed Canadian plant fibre artist, Ralph Simpson has developed an innovative method of weaving, bending and sculpting plant fibre into sculptural forms.
Ralph is an award-winning artist with grants from Arts NB and Canada Council, short-listed for the Salt Springs National art Prize (2021) and his work has been accessioned into Collection ARTNB, New Brunswick’s permanent art collection (2023). Ralph holds an MSc. from UNB in Forest Research Biology, and a Diploma in Fine Craft from NBCCD. Informed by the sciences and his acquired technical expertise his intricately woven pieces reflect the fields and forests around him.
He was born in Hillsborough, New Brunswick and currently resides in Fredericton, New Brunswick and works full time in his studio there, exhibiting his work locally and internationally, attending residencies and giving workshops. Ralph chooses to work with locally sourced, sustainable materials and he forages his own plant fibres using environmentally sustainable methods.
The flora of New Brunswick informs his work and his creative process. His designs arise from his interpretations of nature and have evolved from traditional basketry, to vessels, and botanical sculptures. His process results in a contemporary manifestation of his connection with plants in their natural habitat. His work varies in form and style but what resonates in all his work is an underlying investigation into ways that plant materials can be used to spark interest and insight into the natural world.
His personal motivation arises from a deep connection with nature and a reciprocal need to promote environmental sustainability.
Forged Plant Fibre Workshop
With Ralph Simpson
Saturday, July 6 9am-4:30pm
$150
Please register by calling 902-657-3500
Or email: thegraceartscentre.manager@gmail.com
This is a one day workshop during which each participant will create a basket woven with plant fibres foraged locally. Experience level is beginner and intermediate students will be challenged with advanced weaving techniques.
Part of the experience will be learning about the plant fibres in use, their names, how to collect them, process, store, and prepare them for weaving as well as important aspects of environmentally sustainable collection methods. All materials necessary for this workshop will be provided and students are asked to bring scissors, a spray bottle if you have one, and a tea towel for wrapping their work. I invite you all to bring any plant fibres or other textiles that you might like to experiment with for their suitability for weaving.
Please bring your own lunch, snacks and drinking water.
Workshop will run from 9am - 4:30pm. Baskets will be completed during that time.