Cork felt artist hosts first solo exhibition 

TELL us about yourself;

I am a self-taught felt artist, a lover of wool and art, but my journey here has not been very straightforward. When I left school I did a degree in podiatry and worked as a podiatrist in the UK and Ireland for 13 years.

When I was a podiatrist I used felt (albeit semi-compressed felt) to deflect pressure from troublesome areas in patients’ feet. 

However, now I create felt paintings out of sheep’s wool to take a load off people’s minds.

In 2019, I decided to take a career break. In the following months, I did things I had always wanted to do but never had the time. I had always loved art and design at school, and I sensed that a new creative direction was needed.

During this time, I discovered felting through a felt artist featured on a television series, Home Is Where The Art Is. I had never heard of it or seen anything like a felt painting before, but I knew then it was something that I wanted to explore further. So I sourced a needle felting kit, and two felt painting kits which I completed and enjoyed very much. Then I sourced wool in various colours and made felt paintings for family and friends in subsequent months which they treasured.

As a felt artist, the versatility of fibres allows me to ‘play’ with a wide variety of materials.

There is unpredictability inherent within the wet felting process, whereas the needle felting process requires control and precision. A very good balance, I think. In a world where everything is fast…creating felt paintings is anything but!

I launched my business at the end of 2022 after many months making my original felt paintings. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, cycling and gardening.

Where were you born?

Newry, Co.Down.

Where do you live?

Carrigrohane, Co.Cork.

Family?

Myself and my husband in Cork. Mum and dad are up in Northern Ireland as well as my two sisters and their families.

Best friend?

My husband Robert.

Earliest childhood memory?

Outside playing with my two sisters.

Person you most admire?

The people I most admire are my parents Avonia and Cyril.

Person who most irritates you?

People that litter.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Madeira in 2022, I highly recommend flying down a hilly street in a road toboggan. The locals we met were very friendly, Portuguese tarts delicious, amazing architecture and the island has a fair few cable cars with stunning views!

Favourite TV programme?

I do not have a favourite TV programme but in general I enjoy watching shows about creativity and transformation. They can be about the home, garden, baking, sewing, pottery or interior design, those that spring to mind now.

Favourite radio show?

I like to listen to classical music while I work. Any show on RTÉ Lyric FM or Classic FM.

Favourite restaurant?

The Elm Tree, Glounthaune

Last book you read?

Salt Water And Honey, by Lizzie Lowrie

Best book you read?

I Thought It Was Just Me, by Brené Brown. I don’t know if it’s the best book I have ever read but it does stand out in my memory and is definitely up there.

Favourite song?

I know I definitely cannot choose just one, there are too many!

One person you would like to see in concert?

I would like to see Glen Hansard.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person definitely.

Your proudest moment?

My proudest moment as an artist was the first time I experienced how my felt artwork resonated with someone. 

Hearing them share their own memories of the place depicted was incredibly rewarding. It reaffirmed the emotional impact and connection my art can create.

Spendthrift or saver?

I would like to think I’m a saver. However, I will spend more on the something that’s well made and will last.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

Affordable housing.

What makes you happy?

As cliché as it sounds, it’s the little things that I really appreciate. Taking time out for tea and a long chat with a good friend, walking by the sea and listening to the sound of the ocean. Dancing around the kitchen to awesome music… I could go on.

How would you like to be remembered?

Kind, creative, empathetic, authentic and courageous.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I have a busy few months ahead. My first solo exhibition – ‘Textured Journeys’ – will run in the Grey Heron in Bandon from July 4 to 31. The launch event is on Saturday, July 6 at 1pm. This exhibition showcases felt paintings that show beautiful places across Ireland including iconic sites such as Ballycotton, Inchydoney, Gougane Barra and the Skelligs.

Then there is Cork Craft Month in August, where my work will be back in the Cork Craft and Design shop in Douglas Woollen Mills, Douglas. You can find out more details @noelleferris.ie