Caren Threlfall

Textile Art

cthrelfall@btinternet.com

Using wool and silk fibres in a painterly way, with felting techniques, I create warm and textural felt "paintings".

After working as a Fashion Designer for a number of years, I have been influenced by the colour and texture of textiles. Since discovering the organic medium of wool and silk fibres I began to fuse my textiles background with my love of the environment to create spontaneous yet controlled landscape paintings.

I use the fibres as if it were paint on a brush, building up several layers until I am happy with the picture. I then cover with a net and apply warm soapy water and elbow grease!
The combination of heat, water and friction in the form of a rolling action, helps the fibres bind together. After a great deal of effort the fibres compact, knit together and shrink revealing the finished piece with all its surprises and delights.

I also work on silk, to produce rich and vibrant Silk Paintings. These again, come from my love of colour and the many stunning prints I discovered during my time in industry.
I like to paint a variety of subjects including, floral designs, multicoloured cats and sea creatures.