Artist Statement

A sense of connection runs deeply through my creative life. It flows into my mind, out through my fingers and into my work like a river and tributaries, as elements draw together in my pieces, grow apart, and flow together again. 

Felting connects me to the natural world in the organic way the fibres “dance,” intertwine, and create textural landscapes. During the felting process, the fibres communicate with my hands; even when my eyes are closed, the felt will “tell” me what stage it is in. 

There also seems to be something ancient connected to all of this… 

After felting, I hand paint each piece with dye as if it were a watercolour painting. As I apply the colours, watch them meet, and then merge to create new colours, the thrill of the experience makes this part of the process feel like pure child’s play! 

As an artist and a teacher, I strive for that moment when a woman tries on and “connects” with a piece. Her eyes will light up because she feels beautiful. If the truth be told, that beauty was already contained within her, and she is the one who brings vibrancy and life to the piece. 

Felting also connects people. As much as I love felting, I love the people it brings into my life even more.

~ Judith