Thursday, August 27, 2009

3 Quick Questions: felt at home

Cairns was fabulous, I came across some amazing projects but more on that later. In the meantime here's some inspiration from Phillipa England, the fabulous crafter behind felt at home.

I am a mixed media artist, with a background in Jewellery and Silversmithing. I love to experiment with different materials including wool and felt, as well as, more recently, assemblage art using vintage components, such as cotton reels, old buttons, ribbons, old advertising.

I am inspired by poetry, France, the countryside, daily interactions with people, other artists - both contemporary and historical...


What inspired you to start creating?

I have been 'making stuff' pretty much for as long as I can remember! I started crocheting a carpet when I was about 8 (got as far as the first row!). I got into felt making when my sister bought me a felt-making book and some wool roving. I experimented and it grew from there.


If you could spend more time on one thing what would it be?

Just now I would have to say that I wish I had more time to develop the 'Isabelle' series. I am working on some story books to accompany the sculptures I make. She has a real little personality going on there, with her friends Gilbert the goldfish and Mabel the hen!


What's next for you creatively?

Developing the book I think. I have just bought some lighting equipment to work on taking better photos, so I think that's where I am next. I try not to be so rigid in my work and to go where I feel I'm being pulled at the time. I think that's just an excuse for being totally scatty and disorganised actually!!


Check out more of Phillipa's work here:

Phillipa England Blog
Phillipa England Etsy Shop

Thanks for your time Phillipa, can't wait to hear more about the development of your book!

13 comments:

ittybittyandpretty said...

oh my what a great artist you have found. off to check out her blog.
%*_*%
nice to have you home

Pesky Cat Designs said...

Wonderful feature and beautiful work! It's great to learn more about the artist behind thecreations. Now I'm off to check out Phillipa's blog and shop. :)

Cath @ chunkychooky said...

those creations are just gorgeous!! I love the girl with the orange dreads! Thanks for showing her to us.

Chrisy said...

Thank you for featuring this inspiring artist and her whimsical sculptures...so different...and can definitely see an Isabelle book series in the future.

Eva said...

Thank You for sharing - her work is incredible!!!!! So different and unique what I have seen so far.
I'm off to her Etsy shop now to see all her creations :)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. Thanks so much for the interview. You're so kind.

From now on I will be a regular visitor to your blog :)

Tania said...

I too feel an affinity with the orange dreads girly (not that I am orange or have dreadlocks). Gorgeous find. Thanks for hosting all that insight!

Kylie said...

Wow! what a great find Rebecca! I love the way she has moved from jewellery into art assemblage - it's like a re-defining of the concept of what's a precious gem :) Love it. Thank you for sharing her work. Kylie x

Sandrine said...

Super cute, Thanks Rebecca;)

Anonymous said...

These are so precious! I would love to see this children's book with her fun felted characters. Thanks for sharing this wonderful artist Rebecca.

Speaking of wonderful artists, I just featured your gorgeous plush car creation on my blog :) A xo

Selina said...

how extremely creative... just too adorable

Trish Goodfield said...

They are so whimsical.

Elizabeth said...

nice to see you back. :)

and what fun little wool sculptures! so happy and whimsical. i love them. :) thanks for sharing them with us!