Trained as an anthropologist, science is near and dear to my heart. While many of you have the image of Indiana Jones(TM) swinging through your brain, he is so far from the truth, I can hardly contain myself. This aside however, science, plays an enormous roll in our lives. As artists, it is often the all encompassing provenience to explaining how crocheting loops together will make a bag strong and durable or why types of paint adhere to some surfaces and not to others.
This week I had a chance to speak with an artist that not only embraces her "right-brain/art-brain" but at the same time enjoys the use of her "left-brain/logic-brain" to bring about her amazing creations. I'd like to introduce to you Lucy Chapman. She is a felting fiber artist and has a wonderful tale to share...so read on.
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Sewmantra Blog (SB): What is your art and how did you learn it?
Lucy Chapman (LC): I
am a Fiber Artist, but perhaps something between Artist and Scientist
might be closer. Much of my work is felted knit, but I do delve a bit
into needle felting, and straight up knitting. Felting is an ancient
process which uses heat, friction, and moisture to turn animal fiber
into a dense cloth with a soft texture. During the process, the scales
on the animal fibers interlock and tighten together. The art of knitting
and shrinking the resulting piece is technically known as fulling. You
knit a piece 2-3 times larger than the finished project, then shrink it.
The resulting piece is extremely durable, odor resistant, wrinkle
resistant, hypoallergenic, somewhat water resistant, performs well in
the heat or the cold, is fire resistant, and is quite soft. I work with
wool, alpaca, mohair, recycled silk (it does not felt), and up-cycled
cashmere, lambswool and merino sweaters.
I taught myself how to knit when in college, about
17 years ago. I attended a small liberal arts college in northern
Wisconsin. In the winter it gets COLD! My roommate knew how to crochet,
but I'd been given a set of knitting needles from my grandmother, so I
decided to give it a try. After sledding, between classes, etc., we'd
sit around knitting or crocheting and talking. That first afghan was not
perfect - it has some dropped and uneven stitches, it is way too long,
and way too skinny. But, I was hooked. We still have and use that
afghan.
Then, when first daughter was born, I decided to try
felted knit. Instead of trying something easy like a hot pad, I decided
to start with a pair of slippers. I'd never even knit a pair of socks
before! I learned as I went. Those slippers didn't turn out as expected
either. I had not knit a swatch (I don't have the patience). The sizing
was all off, but I loved how the yarn transformed into something
unrecognizable from the beginning project.
I first really fell in love with wool yarn at this
point. I loved the feel of it. I could tell from the smell and the feel
that it was wool. I loved the colors. And I loved what I could create
with it. The fact that no two pieces were ever quite alike appealed to
the artist in me. As I my skill and experience grew, I began to see how I
could manipulate and use the fiber to create an end result I was
looking for. From bags to hats and mittens, to fingerless gloves and
scarves, there are still surprises.
(SB): What do you think is the most interesting thing about your creative expression?
(LC): I love how I can start with something so unrecognizable as the final
product, add a couple of things, and turn it into something that is both
beautiful, practical and crafted from a natural material. It amazes me
every time I take that piece out of the wash.
(SB): What circumstances led you to sell your art/creations online?
(LC): Once
I started creating things, it seemed only natural to give those
creations as gifts. Whether it was a scarf or a purse, or a pair of
slippers. At one point, friends and relatives began to say, "You should
really try to sell these!" As with many growing artists, it took a
little while for me to see they were being more than just nice. So, I
took the leap.
(SB): If you could use only 5 words to describe your work, what would they be and why?
(LC): Five words...
- Natural - because my primary materials are derived from natural sources and eco-friendly.
- Luxurious - because felted wool, alpaca, and cashmere is a pure pleasure
to use and to where. The more you use it, the softer it gets.
- Practical - because felted wool is durable enough to last for many, many years through every day use.
- Synthesis - because I combine an ancient art with new techniques to create my pieces.
- Evolving - because I am always on the lookout for new fibers and new techniques to incorporate into my pieces.
(SB): If you could be
Fiber, what would you be and why?
(LC): I
would have to say Alpaca. Alpaca is probably my new favorite fiber.
Alpaca felts like wool, but has a lighter drape when felted. And while
felted wool is soft, felted alpaca takes it to the next level! Alpaca
are easy on their environment too. They have pads on their feet instead
of hard hooves and just nibble the grass, so they have little impact on
their grazing terrain. Alpaca fiber also needs very little processing to
get a luxurious yarn and fiber. It performs well in the heat or in the
cold, is durable, and is warm. For me, it is the perfect fiber!
(SB): Anything else interesting you'd like to share? (Optional Question)
(LC): I've
been officially trained in environmental education and environmental
science. To keep myself fresh, I take my 2 girls out exploring and
volunteer teaching pre-schoolers at a local nature center.
(SB): If someone want's to buy something from you, how do they find you?
(LC): I am in the
process of splitting my Seasons Of Wool on Etsy shop into two. Seasons
Of Wool will remain the home for custom felted hats and mittens, and
will be phased out over the next couple of years. Rosy Toes Designs
will become the home of my bags, up-cycled sweater blankets, and luxury
fashion accessories.
Rosy Toes Designs (opens June 1, 2012)
twitter: @RosyToesDesigns
blog: can be found at my shop
e-mail: info@RosyToesDesigns.com, or through my website.
Seasons Of Wool
twitter: @SeasonsOfWool
e-mail: info@SeasonsOfWool.com
Like what you read? Leave a comment or share it!
SB: What do you think is the most interesting thing about your creative expression?
AAD: I
suppose one of the most interesting things is that I'm always meeting
new people, whether they be customers or fellow artisans. And I love
some of the connections and long term friendships that have come from
those meetings. Another interesting aspect is that it's not a
repetitive or boring type "job". I set my own schedule and works as
much (or as little) as I want.
SB: If
someone wants to buy something from you, how do they find you?
