There is no better way to delve into the minds of people who lived long ago than through their art, symbols and stories repres
ented visually. We can learn so much about a group of people by absorbing and studying what they created. Rock carvings and paintings, ancient pottery, and design motifs still seen in weaving all speak to techniques handed down from parent to child. What is so interesting to me is that so many of these motifs are seen in cultures around the world, as if there are symbols and designs that all people are drawn to making. We are so fortunate that some cultures have honored artistic traditions, so in a way, we are looking ba
ck in time when we see contemporary art. Notice the same wave pattern in these examples of pottery from the Andrea Fisher Gallery in Santa Fe. While on our Fiber Art tour and workshop in April, we will be spending some quality time at the gallery, seeing older and newer pottery from many pueblos and discussing the intricate patterns, decoration and symbolism. At the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture we’ll hear a guided talk about the even older art and explore the symbolism and motifs used in the past–fascinating! I am looking forward to seeing how being immersed in this beautiful art can be applied to our own creative pursuits in the workshop. I have always been interested in universal symbols- the spiral, square, circle, equidistant cross and triangle, and came across a book by Angeles Arrien called Signs of Life. The book explains the use of these symbols cross culturally and shows artwork that uses them. We’ll be discussing this in the workshop and hopefully, be inspired to explore the meaning of the symbols in our own work. I have done a series of felted pieces exploring this, as in this example: 
You’ll see several of the universal symbols represented- I wanted to see how they might affect my mind and composition as I worked, and found it very enlightening. I look forward to the Santa Fe workshop and tour, and sharing the richness of the art there with you!
Posts Tagged With: feltmaking tours
Southwestern Art and Universal Symbolism
“Felted landscapes” workshops: How Fleece becomes Art
“Tree of Life” by Joan Molloy Slack
Several years ago, while in Ireland, I first learned to create felt from the local fleece. We used the wet felting method and created a variety of samplers. 
Many people ask about the art of feltmaking, and I want to share some details of our workshops, as well as ideas about how the fiber work is created.
People have created felted objects for thousands of years, 
much of it functional, making everything from homes to capes to boots. National Geographic did a fabulous story about the history of wool and humans, tracing the ways people around the world have learned to use it for so many things. The fleece from various 
animals, not only sheep, was created into magnificent rugs and tapestries, and many cultures have perfected the techniques to suit their needs and climate.
After years of teachi
ng workshops using wet felting, often combined with needle felting, I began to explore using this way of working in my own art, and find that I am continually excited about the possibilities. I have taught workshops with all ages, and have received grants to work with school programs. It is always fascinating how quickly people can learn the technique and how to use the tools, and what successful art is created!
Depending on the workshop length, I offer a variety of options. We often create samplers using blending
techniques and specialized ways to create shadow and depth. As we work, frequent discussions are held as the pieces progress, adjustments made, and the image takes shape.
I have often held workshops where we collaborate on a finished piece. 
A favorite project was one where I developed a curriculum o
n phenology, and taught students K-12 about the changes that occur throughout the year, such as the Equinoxes and Solstices. We created several panels that had to do with the 4 seasons, Celtic symbols, the Greenman mythology, and universal symbols.
I enjoy teaching workshops where there is time to go into more depth and explore ideas more fully than can be done in short classes. So much can be done with felt making! We can use the wool fleece as a “painting” medium, and can design a multitude of effects, from strong colors to blends.
For example, while walking in the landscape during a felt making workshop, I might take photos such as these, then , based upon the inspiration create a felted piece.
“Standing Stones” by Joan Slack
Below are some images from workshops and the work that students produced.
Preparing to “wet” felt
Below, a student is working on a collaborative project at my John Campbell Folk School workshop on “Pictorial Felt”
A glimpse of the Ireland fiber art tour
On our Fiber Arts in Ireland tour n June 2016, Margaret Cunningham will be one of our instructors while we stay in Donegal. And we will be staying near this beautiful place, Slieve League (or Sliabh Liag in Irish), in the video, sure to inspire the art and soul! In this video we can hear her tell of the inspiration of the landscape, and the Sliabh Liag cliffs and the fairies keeping children from exploring the dangerous spots. Margaret is an excellent tapestry artist, fine musician, and manages the Glencolmcille Folk Village. Take a glimpse of the rugged coast and beautiful area in which we will be staying and making fiber art! The video can be viewed here: http://lbbonline.com/work/10950/.VhTz_ajqPCc.facebook
See all the details for the trip in the brochure Fiber art tour to Ireland
Authentic Travel and Tours, LLC 