About

I discovered felting by happy accident whilst visiting an artist’s studio on a trip to Scotland. I’ve been in love ever since. Originally a painter, I find the tactile nature of working with wool and other textiles to be liberating – I have my hands in my materials and can engage my whole body in the process of creating. I also appreciate how flexible and forgiving felt can be, where nothing is wasted and unexpected directions emerge from the use of “failed” projects and leftovers.        While colour is usually my way in to a piece, I have recently been interested in bringing the focus to shape and surface design by using a limited palette of blacks, whites and greys. This has led me to incorporating sumi ink, painted silk and paper into my felt work – the possibilities are endless!

Vanessa Sparrow