I discovered felting by happy accident during a visit to an artist’s studio on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. I’ve been in love with this ancient yet ever-changing art form ever since!
Originally a painter, I find the tactile nature of wet felting with wool and other fibres 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.
I enjoy bringing the focus to shape and surface design by using a limited palette of blacks, whites and greys, but have more recently been experimenting with colour and the incorporation of other elements, such as sumi ink, painted silk and paper.
I hope my work conveys the sense of wonder and respect I have for this amazing material, and its ability to take on so many beautiful forms.
Vanessa Sparrow
