PROCESS
Rooted in the traditional wet felting technique, the making is muscular and rhythmic as I lay, pour, roll and squeeze again and again. The process uses wool tops, hot water, soapsuds and friction to interlock loose fibres together to create a stable fabric.
It seems repetition nudges me into a semi-meditative space - it invites me to trust myself, and let the haptic connections sinuously paint a new space for the viewer to contemplate.
LAYERING
I work slowly and in fine layers to allow light, translucency and textures to shine. I always start from a sketch or photograph to retain focus and control over the organic behaviour of materials.
CO-CREATING WITH MATERIALS
Making space for materials to have their voice, and understanding their properties and behaviours is key to my creative process. I mainly work with wool tops, linen fibres and silk - and nothing is ever wasted…
A CONVERSATION
I find myself totally absorbed in the placement of each fibre, each thread and each detail. I am constantly having to make and review decisions as process and materials try to convince me otherwise.
RYTHM
When repeating isn’t repetition…
As I gently roll the work beneath my hands, the loose fibres migrate through the fabric and interlock with one another causing the piece to gradually shrink and set in a sturdy fabric.
WATER
The source of life and organic transformation
THE MANGLE
The only mechanical tool in my studio. It comes in so handy when squeezing the water out of large heavy pieces.