‘Wool Paintings’; An exploration of wool as an art material

In this exhibition textile artist, Emily Thompson pushes the boundaries of ‘what makes a painting’. Using locally sourced wool, and the process of needle felting, Emily creates images of local landscapes. Emily’s background as a painter informs her practice and she employs the techniques and theories of painting while creating these ‘wool paintings’.

Using locally sourced Irish wool from various farms, which Emily washes and dyes using mostly natural materials, she meticulously layers the dyed wool to create images of the Irish landscape. She uses a needle felting tool, and the required technique, which consists of matting the woolen fibers together by repetitively pushing the fibers back and forth using the sharp barbed needle tool. Following this she uses both her sewing machine, and simple needle and thread to add further texture and detail to her works. She considers her dyed wool her ‘palette’ and felting needles her ‘paintbrush’.

The work is inspired by her love of sea swimming, hiking, and outdoor cycling. At the core of her practice is her connection and love of the natural world, and she seeks to recreate these places within a two-dimensional space. Each piece further connects her to the memories associated with these breathtaking spaces. They are a celebration of nature and art.

Image Gallery - Click to enlarge