Felt Mistress

I made a vow to myself at the end of last year that I would FEATURE an artist every Friday right from the start of the year. Even though we've not yet begun PPP at Level 5, I thought I should get ahead of my game and continue LEARNING: this week I'm showcasing the work of the wonderful Queen of felt, Felt Mistress.

I recently attending the opening night of her exhibition at Colours May Vary in Leeds.

Wanted to begin by discussing her identity: Felt Mistress.

 I discussed in PPP last year that I felt more comfortable acting as a character or performing as an artist rather than just being me. I discussed the possibility of inventing and taking on a persona for my professional practice - which is what Felt Mistress has done.

The persona of Felt Mistress provides her with a mysterious, enigmatic aura and a magical, untracable allure.

Her practice began in fashion/textiles but now she designs, plans and constructs characters with personalities. She creates humour and tells stories with her felt creatures.

I couldn't decide my favourite character, but I loved that they all had tiny little details that you don't realise until you get closer e.g. earrings, nail varnish, piercings...

Felt Mistress takes them around the world - they are especially popular in Finland.

Despite her Muppet-like aesthetic, her audience is mostly in high fashion - window displays at Liberty London. Though her new book has patterns showing how to make her characters

ISN'T THAT GIVING AWAY HER SECRETS? THAT'S HOW SHE MAKES MONEY, SHE CAN'T GIVE THAT INFORMATION AWAY!

Actually encouraging and an act of inclusive making. MAKE MY THINGS LIKE ME. JOIN ME. FOLLOW ME.

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Also wanted to mention the Soda stand that was there - top bevs lads! V. fruitygood