Felt Art Workshop Inspires

How's this for a recipe for creativity?



Take (1) internationally-known felt maker, add (14) eager artists, mix together in the home of a premier dye and paint manufacturer and simmer for (5) whole days!




Just returned from Fall River, MA this workshop was a big step forward in my professional development.


My project piece (shown above) is sophisticated with multiple colors, fabric, yarn, coiled roving and interesting shapes all incorporated in it. The effect is highly abstract and deeply engaging with a texture that begs to be touched.

This is the second time that I have studied with Jorie Johnson who is based in Kyoto, Japan. After taking her earlier workshop and seeing some of her felt rugs in a show, I knew I wanted to learn more.

I approached Jorie and asked about moving beyond basic color dyeing. We discussed topics like layering felt of different colors, encapsulation, color blending and fiber blending. Jorie agreed to add these into her summer workshop and soon, artists from across the US and one from Denmark were on the way to another great program.

Even though I was the only one there making large scale tapestries, I always take away ideas and a new appreciation for felt making from each of the artists.

I look forward to building on the techniques I learned and working them into my newest tapestries!




PJ Bergin Contemporary Mixed Media Fiber Artist