Bio
Ralph Simpson was born in Hillsborough, New Brunswick. He was employed as a Forest Research Biologist and after retirement he studied Aboriginal Visual Art at NBCCD. He spends many hours in the woods exploring the potential of plant fibre to create baskets and sculpture. Ralph collects indigenous plant fibre with harvest principles that embrace environmental integrity and sustainability.
Ralph combines a deep respect for traditional weaving techniques with his own innovations in his artistic practice. Inspired by the local environment and nature’s forms he creates contemporary sculptural forms in his studio in Fredericton, NB
Artist Statement
My work is inspired by the natural world around me and arises from a deep curiosity
and emergent understanding of my chosen materials. I combine various weaving
techniques with indigenous plant fibre to create a contemporary art form.
My work varies in form and style but what resonates in all my pieces is the
underlying investigation into ways that plant materials can be used to spark interest
or insight in the natural world