ART FELTING
Paint that doesn't flow or blend but instead tangles Final lay-out features vividly clear hues straight from the batt Wet-felting tugs, pushes fibres from top to bottom, from bottom to top Smokey wisps of new hues emerge as clarity is replaced by mystery When the felts are dry, the conversation begins- Who are you? I ask Done? (a rarity in this process) Are you something new? Unexpected? Calling for clarification? Asking to be released.... |
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Felting involves laying wool fibre in layers to build thickness and image. Hot, soapy water and lots of agitation through rolling (upwards of 200x or more) mats the wool into a cloth. As this happens, the fibres migrate mixing a whole new palette throughout the image/piece. There is also shrinkage as the piece goes through the fulling stage. It is all a terrifying form of controlled chaos but utterly enchanting.
Once the felt is dry the true colours can be seen and the clarity of the image assessed. It is possible to clarify, tighten and add drawing lines with needle-felting. This uses a tapered shaft set with barbs (felting needle) which pierces the felt skin and entangles the added fibre. The above photograph shows a felt study set up for needle-felting. You can see finer details on the Peonies and Salvage Sheds Art Felts on the Gallery home page, as examples of finished work. |