Created during New Pacific Studio Multidisciplinary Artist’s Residency, Wairarapa, New Zealand
In collaboration with Vlad Papish
The project Felt Shelter explores ideas behind simple shelter structures, contemporary nomadism and the interpretation of ancient felting techniques and visual narratives in a contemporary context. It transforms a small shelter tent into art. The work questions the reality of sedentary life and explore solutions through nomadic living. The hand-made structure becomes an intimate space where personal narratives unfold and “shelter” becomes “home.” In our design, we were inspired by vernacular nomadic structures and their impact on modern ecological and sustainable building designs.
Initially, we collected wool from local sheep farms. During the residency, we processed the wool by hand and created large felt textile pieces. The felted wool pieces were attached together like a puzzle over a built frame. The frame was made of locally found wood dowels and joinery made from heavy cardboard tubing. Through careful experimentation and building of initial prototypes, the structure was optimized for comfort, modern travel, and local climate.
Created with support from Calgary Arts Development and Alberta Foundation for the Arts
2014
New Zealand wool, wood dowels, heavy cardboard tubing, thread
