Female

This spring, dancer Moria Chappell posed in front of circus performers near the Notre Dame Cathedral wearing a beaded black crocheted bra and matching tutu. This Paris photo shoot, which marked the international debut of Anna West's artwork, couldn't possibly have taken place further from the small western town where she learned her craft.

In native cultures worldwide, symbols of protection, believed to ward away spirits or spells, are common costume embellishments. West explores this concept in her recent work by weaving heavy industrial materials like washers, hinges and even spent ammunition cartridges into the fabric. However, instead of deflecting voodoo, West's designs are intended to double as weapons of self defense."Bullet Bra" and "Fvorboda" are two examples of this style.

Old-fashioned lacework is an important part of West's artistic vocabulary. She uses it to communicate adolescent vulnerability in Peahen and coming of age in Eve. And, of course, West's crocheted lace portfolio includes many pieces that can only be described as flirtatious and functional, like Blue Bikini, White Bikini and Dallas (yellow shawl).

West's label, Illusial Studios, uses traditional craft to express modern femininity on stages, catwalks and in galleries. She most recently showed in Boise and Salt Lake City. West performs with belly dance troupe, Dragomi, designs costumes for Transfusion Hype Dance Company and teaches for Youth City Artways. She is currently adding knitting, embroidery and braiding techniques to her repertoire.