When I create my needle-felted paintings, I often hear the phrase, “It’s like…” followed by comparisons that range from the abstract to the highly specific: Picasso, Seurat, Cubism, stained glass, even mosaics. It's fascinating to hear, because although I appreciate those artistic references, what I’m doing is something quite different. Needle-felting has traditionally been considered a craft, with a set of expectations for what the fibres can achieve. However, in my work, I’m constantly pushing those limits, transforming this craft into art.
The thing is, when you're pushing boundaries – whether in technique, design, or medium – people naturally try to fit what they see into something they already know. It’s a way of understanding, and that’s completely fine. But, as artists, our goal is often to go beyond the familiar, to explore new territory that might not yet have a neat comparison.
Art is about freedom, not limitations. In the world of craft, there might be traditional ways of doing things, but once you step into the realm of art, the sky’s the limit. For me, fibre is just another medium – like paint or clay – and the designs I create with it don’t follow any rules. They’re bold, layered, and dynamic, and I find that exciting.
Pushing boundaries, though, can feel like a lonely path sometimes. There aren’t always mentors, tutorials, or well-trodden roads. You might find yourself in a space where no one else seems to have gone before. If the world is zigging, you might be zagging, and it can feel uncertain. But there’s a thrill in that unknown.
If you’ve ever felt that spark to do something different, to try something new, I encourage you to lean into it. The world might not be used to it yet, but that’s how change happens. It takes someone daring enough to zag when everyone else is zigging, someone willing to break away from the norm and see where the path leads.
Exploration can be challenging, but it’s also where the magic happens. So, don’t be afraid to step beyond the boundaries of what you (or others) are used to. Try something different. You never know what you might discover!
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