Ann Winship

Born in California, Ann moved to Kerikeri in 2011. This new beginning allowed her to focus on and actively develop her career as an award-winning abstract and landscape painter. Her series of paintings include: Watery Abstracts, Lily Ponds, Seascapes and Landscapes of Northland, Hobbit Houses, Kerikeri Oranges and Lost in Translation.

Since 2014, Ann has been coiling and weaving wire into long, abstract copper sculptures using a technique developed by Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) who lived next door to her as a child. Ann has created over 50 unique ”spirit vessels”. Her work has been shipped to collectors around the world. As an artist involved in many community minded projects, Ruth’s memory continues to guide Ann’s journey.

In 2013, Ann recognized the need for a local community art event whereby people could visit, meet and purchase art directly from artists. She founded KOAST (Kerikeri Open Art Studios Trail) and chaired the annual October weekend event for five years, seeing it expand to over 80 artists and 1000 weekend trailgoers. KOAST is one of her proudest creations. She continues to support the arts as a member of Northland’s Creative Communities Scheme Committee and by participating in local art events.

Her paintings includes "Glorious" (2020-2025) a series of work that celebrates KeriKeri's orange groves and "Lost in Translation" (2022-2026) that explore the disconnection between language and meaning. She continues to explore the endless possiblities of creation with copper wire and paint.