This month’s featured needle felt artist is Matt Gale. Matt’s work is all about reexamining that which is considered ugly and frightening. He says, “I am particularly interested in the space that exists between being attracted to and repulsed by a visual or tactile stimulus.” Felt seems particularly well suited to this because of its inviting texture. Matt’s creatures certainly resemble fearsome reptiles and insects, but with their soft, wooly bodies, they appear almost cuddly. When was the last time you said that about a spider?!
For more, please visit www.mattgaleart.com
Although not needle felt, I would also like to give a shoutout to Eric Coppinger (aka KnitsByEd), both for introducing me to Matt’s amazing sculptures, and for his own spectacular fiber art! I encourage you to check out this interview with Eric and visit his Etsy shop for more of his creations!
That’s all for this month! As always, please share your fabulous felt discoveries with me, either by email or in the comments!
What Technique Is This?
Needle Felting is the process of using a notched or “barbed” needle to compress layers of wool into denser felt that can be manipulated to create 3D sculptures. It is different to wet felting, which uses water to combine wool fibres, and these days there are a range of felting tools available that can enable you to make your own soft sculptures with ease!