Sculptural Feltmaking

Learn how to transform fibres into three-dimensional forms using traditional hands-on methods under the expert guidance of Anita Johnson. Wool is a wonderfully responsive fibre that, with warm soapy water and friction, can be transformed into robust, tactile, and complex forms.

Anita introduces the core techniques of three-dimensional feltmaking, including creating seamless hollow forms using resists and shaping solid felted pieces directly in your hands through skin-felting.

Through drawing and collage exercises, students will develop sculptural ideas and create their own felted designs.

Drawing on the rich history of feltmaking, Anita encourages participants to see felt not only as a functional material, but also as a source of artistic inspiration. Discover how felted wool has been used as a form of protective shelter and armour and learn about its ability to absorb sound and liquid. Students will experience its distinctive tactile qualities and consider how these characteristics can inform creative practice.

This course is open to beginner felt makers through to experienced artists looking to deepen their creative practice. At the completion of the program, students will be able to create their own sculptural felt works, from initial concept through to finished form.

Course Schedule:
The following is an indicative course schedule only. The content and pace of the sessions may vary in response to the students in the program.

Day 1 – Introduction to Feltmaking: Solid Forms Students will explore the history of feltmaking, contemporary felt practice, and animal fibres while creating small three-dimensional forms using the skin-felting technique.

Day 2 – The Resist Method: Hollow Forms Students will learn how resist shapes are used to create hollow felted forms and produce their first hollow object. The day concludes with planning for an individual sculptural project.

Days 3 & 4 – Studio Practice Using drawing and collage, students will develop concepts for an individual sculptural felt project. They will design custom resist shapes and begin constructing their work, applying the techniques introduced earlier in the course.

Day 5 – Resolution and Presentation Students will complete and refine their projects before presenting their work to the group. The course concludes with a discussion and critique of finished works and works in progress.

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students between 15 - 17 years of age. 

* Some short courses may be held in upstairs studios. If access to stairs is not suitable, please contact us at short.courses@nas.edu.au 

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

Please be aware that feltmaking is a physical activity that is often quite rigorous. Bring a drink, snack, and wear comfortable shoes. You may get wet.

• An old towel
• A pair of rubber garden-type gloves
• A pair of fabric scissors, sewing needle and thread, and a pair of pliers.
• A pair of paper scissors, 2 pastel sticks of different colours, 4 sheets of A2 paper.
• Wool fibre if you want to bring your own. 400gms of unspun wool fibre that has been washed and carded during its processing. You can use coarser wool eg: 29 micron (Corriedale, Finn, Gotland, Strong merino) or a finer fibre eg: 22 micron (Merino). Or a mixture of these.
• If you do not have any fibre the tutor will bring some to purchase during class.
• Enclosed footwear is essential in all studios on campus.