My name is Juliana Knight. I consider myself a mixed media artist. I thrive on creating interesting, original one-of-a-kind objects. Some of my creations can take on a realistic form and appearance while others are ridiculously silly. I love the fun aspect.
I enjoy whimsical creatures, botanical beauties and abstract sculptures.
I promote felting by entering competitions, shows and sharing with fellow felters and the community.
The beautiful green Lady slipper orchid is the latest of my creations, it was made and entered in the Royal Canberra Show. I received a Reserve Champion for the orchid. I had entered Special Challenge which was an open section.
The challenge was any article depicting your interpretation of ‘Myths & Legends’ with a story attached. The story –
According to legend, one bitter winter people in a small village were falling ill. They were in desperate need of medicine. A women snuck out of the village to get help for her people.
The woman made it to the village, got medicine, and started her trip home.
The trip home was difficult due to snow and ice, she found herself unable to walk.
She was rescued and the medicine was brought to her people saving not only her life but the lives of the people who had fallen ill.
The legend goes, tiny-slipper like flowers grow in the places where her moccasins left prints in the snow.
Much of my inspiration is gained from my surroundings, sights and sounds in the environment. I live on a small farm in New south Wales Australia where I am spoilt for inspiration and space to create. On the farm I have a small studio in which I can hold small group classes.
I retired from 25 years of full-time teaching, specifically young adults and any age up to seniors.
I still teach occasionally when the opportunity presents itself.
I believe my experiences attaining a Diploma of Teaching in Adult Education, attending University of Canberra, The Australian National University School of Arts, a long history with Advanced Cake Decorating, working with resin, polymer clay, creating life like baby dolls and playing on a lathe in a workshop have all helped to enable me to construct, design and problem solve.
Over the years I have won many Grand Championships. Those Grand Championships include Felting, Ceramics, Cake Decorating, Dolls. I am proud to have had some of my pieces featured in several magazines.
I have judged in many states within Australia.
How my felting journey began, around 8 years ago I attended a meeting held by the Canberra Region Feltmakers, I was curious and interested to learn how to make a piece of felt. I entered a show with a little colourful bag I created. Although I didn’t receive a place or any sort of acknowledgement for my little colourful bag, I was so proud but knew there was so much room for improvement for this incredibly interesting art form. I realised I needed to attend a beginner’s course in wet felting to really get know the theory and practice. Over the years I have learned that practice, experimentation and discovery all go together. Felting is infinite. You are only limited by your imagination.
Juliana Knight
www.bywongartandcraft.com.au
Article by Juliana Knight