BIO

Robin Wiltse was born on Vancouver Island BC and grew up on a rural farm in Black Creek. It was while attending The Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson BC that she learned and was enchanted by the art of felting. Robin brings her love of drawing and illustration into her felt pieces through the combined methods of needle and wet felting.

This artist’s fibre work has been show in many group and juried exhibits around BC. Recently a felting of Robin’s was included in the latest book of the series 500 Felt Objects, representing fibre artists from all over the world. The recipient of many Art Starts Grants, Robin shares her love of art through teaching and has worked with many BC children.

ARTIST STATEMENT

As an artist, I observe and absorb colour, inspired by the play of light and the spaces between. Working with fibre, I am drawn to the weightless, familiar, and tactile luminosity of wool.

I have been striving for control and detail with a single needle, entangling loose strands into patterns, forms and illustrations. I am building stories with layers, delighting in the harmonies and discords that occur in the relationships of colours.

Each stroke of my art is a manifestation of my emotions and memories. In the process of felting, I immerse myself in soapy water, and a painting of a million strands emerges. This process, this art of felting, allows me to be physically connected and sensitive to the unfolding of my art, evoking profound emotions and memories. 

My Curriculum Vitae

PROCESS

Felting is thousands of years old and is thought to be one of the earliest known materials made by man. It has been used for garments, footwear, rugs, dwellings ( yurts), and even body armour.

I am drawn to felting because of the wool texture and the way each fibre holds colour. The transformation of raw fleece into felt is a process that never ceases to amaze me.
I have been experimenting with combining the ancient art of wet felting with the relatively new technique of using needles.

I start by laying down a base of wool, and then I build up my image with layers of dyed fleece. I use a felting needle to lock the design into place.
The little barbs on the needle entangle the fibres, allowing me to blend colours and achieve detail, much like painting.

Once I feel that the image is complete I felt the entire piece using the wet felting method.
This involves boiling water, soap and friction to further intertwine the fibres. There is some shrinkage throughout these processes but very little distortion.

Through the tactile experience of felting, I feel connected to my creativity, and I feel I am just starting to explore its possibilities as an illustrative medium.