Karen Stewart

I have been creating with fabric for as long as I can remember, but in 2015 I was introduced to the ancient art of wet felting and was immediately captivated by the incredible versatility of it. Wool felt can be thick and insulating, or soft and flowing. It can be shaped, steamed and easily manipulated into many different dimensions. It can even be used to create sturdy art sculptures, and it was this malleability that attracted me to wet felting. Since then I have worked predominantly in wool but also incorporate multiple textiles including silk fibres and fabrics, plant fibres, wool locks and yarns to create richly detailed textures inspired by nature. Colour and texture are integral to my work.

The changing light and colours of the seasons are a constant source of inspiration for me as are the textures and details in nature and natural elements. I find colour to be incredibly uplifting and mood enhancing and texture creates not only depth and interest but encourages one to look further. Some of my wall art is left unglazed to enable the viewer to get closer to the detail and as wool is naturally water, dust and dirt resistant, there is no fear of damage.

The wool trade used to be a thriving industry in the UK but has declined rapidly since the 1950s and many sheep farmers are now forced to discard their fleeces because they cannot sell them. Like many felt makers, I started out using merino wool, but since learning about the plight of UK sheep farmers, I have made the decision to start using British wool as much as possible. British wool is often quite coarse because of the climate and when felted it becomes extremely strong, so is ideal for creating bags or structural forms or for producing depth and 3D texture in art. As sheep need shearing at least once or twice a year, wool is also a naturally sustainable product.

As well as selling at various shows and online, I offer feltmaking tutorials for small groups from my home studio in Leicestershire and at other venues in neighbouring counties.

I am a member of the International Feltmakers Association.