Art Felts at Luckystone

This weekend's workshop really blew me away.  Again.  I can't articulate exactly what it is about teaching that moves me so, but even thinking about it makes me well up.   I guess it is a combination of the excitement I feel while sharing a common passion, facilitating the process that evolves, then just absorbing the creative process that unfolds in each person.   Sometimes people need help to unfold, but more often they just unfurl on their own.  I can take no credit for this weekend's talent.  The photographs don't do the work justice.

These photographs of my student's work shows their dry layouts, then the after felting shots. 

We talked a lot about surface design in terms of movement and cohesion, with input from all pairs of eyes.  We mused over why it is such a challenge to see our own work as clearly as we see others. 

We considered the question of when less is more, and when more is better.  The consensus was that there are different styles but it is all such a personal choice.   Those of us who have worked with Sachiko Kotaka reminded each other that she'd encourage filling up all empty spaces to make our felt healthy.  And we agreed that the serenity of simplicity is also worthy.  I thought of Elis Vermeulen's mantra "too much information".  Such fabulous feltmakers with such different perspectives, but I do not doubt that they would each value the other's aesthetic.

Perhaps this helps to explain why teaching moves me so.  And why it is such an honor.  I get to be with a group of individuals who are happy about where they are (making felt), and although our mouths may be ticklish with fiber, we are all engaged in learning the same language. 

Feltmaking is such alchemy.  Beyond mastering technique, the magic just flows.