Nationally acclaimed Canadian plant fibre artist Ralph Simpson has developed an innovative method of weaving, bending and sculpting plant fibre to create three-dimensional artwork. His graceful work blends bold colour and innovative materials with ephemeral fibres to achieve a most satisfying balance.

Ralph is an award-winning artist and holds an MSc. from UNB in Forest Research Biology, and a Diploma in Fine Craft from NBCCD. Informed by the sciences and technical expertise his intricately woven pieces reflect the fields and forests around him.

He was born in Hillsborough, New Brunswick and currently resides and works full time in his studio in Fredericton, exhibiting his work locally and internationally, attending residencies and giving workshops. Ralph forages his own plant fibre and employs principles that support environmental sustainability.

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 which are often scaled up to magnify detail. His process results in a manifestation of his connection with plants in their natural habitat.

His chosen materials are plants stems and leaves, bark, roots, rush, sedges, and grasses and although his work varies in form and style 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 conservation.