By Stephanie Haines
Andrée J. Benson, fresh off a moving performance playing Nancy in Grand Horizons, is a theatre-lover and an artist, who over the years has created a wonderful collection of fibre art and photography. Here at OLT we are fortunate to have some of her amazing photography displayed in the Janigan Studio throughout the duration of Stag and Doe.
Andrée’s previous acting credits at OLT include roles Dr. Cook’s Garden, Boeing Boeing, Unnecessary Farce, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Behind the Beyond. Andrée is looking forward to working on more plays, and enjoys working behind the scenes as well, in such capacities as makeup and hair design.
Do you have a favourite in your collection of photos?
I can’t pick just one photo. Each photo is an incredible memory, a special moment in my life.
Can you explain what fibre art is?
I work with natural fibres such as wool, silk or cotton to create art work, something you can wear or decorative ornaments. I knit, crochet and also create art with wool in traditional/primitive rug hooking. Most recently I’ve started needle felting, which is a very meditative and creative art form.
"I would like others to see something that maybe they haven’t seen or can’t see. I would like people to feel joy and maybe a little wonder when they look at my photographs."
When did you first start photography and fibre art?
I’ve been taking pictures for as long as I can remember. In the past 12 years or so I’ve taken courses and have applied myself more fully to photography. As for fibre art, it’s been an ongoing love affair with yarn since my teens. I keep developing my craft and adding new techniques and forms to the fibres I work with.
What inspires you?
Nature inspires me. Trees, flowers, rivers, the sky and on and on. I’m also inspired by artists such as Klimt, Van Gogh and O’Keefe.
What “aim” or goal do you have when you take photos?
I would like others to see something that maybe they haven’t seen or can’t see. I would like people to feel joy and maybe a little wonder when they look at my photographs.
Do you have any other stories to share about your art?
I believe I come from a long line of makers. My great-grandmother was an extraordinary seamstress and my great aunt was a Cordon Bleu Chef. A bit of their creativity has been passed down, or so I like to think.
My art keeps me sane. It brings me joy, although sometimes I can get a bit frustrated when I feel that my projects aren’t done fast enough.
I’ve made long-lasting supportive friendships at OLT over the years, and am thrilled to be a part of the OLT community.
