Where do you draw inspiration for your forms/designs?
I named my business Out My Window Felting because this is where I draw my inspiration from, the landscapes I see from my home and my travels. I am always studying clouds, forests, water, etc. for the multitude of colors found throughout nature.
How do you plan your pieces and how do you decide when they’re finished?
Most times a scene just grabs my attention and I immediately think "I'm going to doing a picture of that". Or sometimes I'll find a color wool and know right away what I want to use it for in a landscape. I've done entire scenes based around a color wool I love that I want to see brought into focus in a painting. As for when they are finished, sometimes I will think they are and then I'll walk by it and notice something missing or something I want to change and will immediately grab some wool and do a little more poking.
What draws you to your specific/preferred medium?
The feel of the fibers and the unlimited color palate. I can blend colors of wool to create a completely new color. We don't realize the multitude of colors in nature; it's endless!
Who were your mentors or what resources did you use to learn your medium?
I initially purchased a kit at a yard sale because I thought it would be fun to do with my grandkids. We did it and I fell in love with the medium. I started with 3D figures and quickly moved to 2D flat felting, which is more my style. I used to paint with acrylic and this is a more forgiving medium to me. If I don't like how something looks, I can just tear it off. I watched YouTube videos at the beginning and I've connected with a few felters online and we've become friends who encourage each other and help each other out when we struggle with a picture we're working on.
What result can a finished piece or your process yield that makes you feel rewarded or proud?
When I am showing at an art fair, people assume from a distance that it is an oil painting. They're always so surprised when they get up close and see it is made of wool. Most people don't understand how it is even possible to do it. My art has been so well received at art fairs and it brings me such joy.
Where is your practice now, what is your focus, where is it growing?
Time is my biggest struggle; never having enough of it. You get better by constantly creating and I wish I had a few more hours every day to devote to it. My focus is to continue to push myself to be more creative; do landscapes that I think I wouldn't be able to do. I surprise myself sometimes when I think something is not going well and sticking with it to find out it is some of my best work. I want to get my work out to a continually bigger audience.
How does being involved with a community art space like Art Hub impact your art practice/business or ability to celebrate and network amongst other artists?
Places like Art Hub give artists like myself an opportunity to show our work and have a presence in the community that may be difficult to do otherwise. I'm an introvert, so having Art Hub to get me work out in the community is such a plus for me. Seeing other artists work, and being able to connect with them is a bonus. I think every artist celebrates the creativity and dedication of other artists because we know the devotion it takes to do what we do.
Visit Art Hub to purchase April's work in person!
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