at Atelier La Couech, Montbrun-Bocage, FRANCE

In nature we can find a variety of beautiful forms and structures that can serve as an inspiration and starting point for felt art. In addition, we can observe interesting and efficient architectural
solutions that nature has found to create stability. These basic principles of statics play an important role in the planning and creation of a 3-dimensional felt object, too!
In this workshop we will go together trough the entire process of creating a sculptural wallhanging: from the idea (or inspiration) to the finished object. The challenge will be, to find a practicable way to transform your natural model into a textile object. Step by step, you will develop your general design, choose suitable materials, plan the initial layout, position of components and shape and arrangement of resists and find technical solutions for specific details.
During an experimental phase, day 1 – 3, we will explore various possibilities of creating 3-dimensional felted forms, in order to draw your attention to the important aspects of the techniques, expand your knowledge and provide you with a pool of technical possibilties.
Day 4 you will have a day off for relaxing, collecting ideas, planning your individual project and/or continue experimenting individually. For inspiration, you may want to dive into Krystel’s wonderful textile library!
Day 5-7 is dedicated to the realization of your individual projects. Based on many years of experience and skills in sculptural felting I will give advice and support with choosing suitable techniques and guide you through the felting process.
Together we will discuss how to proceed with the different steps of layout and felting process and which details need special attention. As each student would work on a personal project, the group can learn from a variety of versions and different technical aspects that might be implied.
Atelier du Bocage, in its co-working space, offers a 3m wide electric felt rolling machine which can be used to help us fulling large pieces of felt.
I’m looking forward to an exciting week of experimentation and felt art, where we can unite and expand our ideas, experience and creative skills!

(students should be familiar with the foundations of felting, some experience of felting with resists can be helpful)