Felt Artist Meets the Challenges of Site Specific Art Installations

Network Tapestry™ is, by design, fabricated with no pattern or even a beginning grid. This is a challenge for any artist. However, if the piece is commissioned for a specific permanent installation site, it becomes even more interesting to figure out how to get from Point A to Point B (and usually on a deadline). I begin by intuitively laying out lengths of the wool roving and then working with the shapes and colors until I get them where I want them to be. This process can take several days. I never really know what it is going to look like until I determine the layout is "finished". Then I start the felting process which is also very labor intensive.

In this medium, there is not a “recipe” where adding so many parts of certain colors of dyed wool can arrive at a predictable end point. In addition, once I start the felting process, I cannot go back to add more fiber or change a color. That is why I take so much time putting together the dry fibers in the beginning.

With the addition of surface design elements (metal wire and paint), I bring even more visual interest to the tapestry to reinforce the desired illusions and produce a work that satisfies both me and the new owner.

It’s a combination of art, science, skill and guidance from the “felting gods”, that make it all come together in the end

PJ Bergin Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist