Fiber — An Adventure in Textures
Hi, I’m Marilyn. I’ve recently accepted the invitation to be the fourth moderator of the Felt and Fiber Forum to replace Karen who left last year.
As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with textures—the grooved trunk of a tree, the delicate petal of a flower, the juxtaposition of smooth sand and a raging ocean wave. I’m a hands on person and have reveled in creating textures in a variety of mediums involving fiber.
As a young girl, my aunt taught me to sew which was great since I was able to make my own clothes to fit since I had long arms and legs. Later, when I had two boys of my own, I made their clothes.
Throughout my young adult life I continued to sew, design clothes, crochet, embroider, knit, played with string art, quilling and macramé. I also was interested in drawing and watercolor. But 3D texture was always the draw for me. And water. For many years I made paper, my specialty being textured paper sculptures. Of course, paper is fiber and requires water to process. I had wanted to be an artist, but coming from a practical family I was encouraged to go into business instead.
My college education was interrupted, but when I returned after my sons were born I waffled about my major. Most of my credits were in business so if switched to art I would have had to start over. My husband Craig gave me excellent advice. He was a marketing major in college and told me that no matter what career path I chose I would always have to market myself and a product. So marketing became my major.
It was more creative than I imagined and I was able to combine my knowledge of art and design as well as my love of writing into a career in corporate marketing.
I discovered felting when I retired a few years ago. It was instant love. Like all of my other creative endeavors, I researched and learned on my own. But now thanks to the wonders of the Internet and You Tube it was a much quicker and easier process.
When I found the Felt and Fiber Forum/Studio, I knew I found a home. I’ve learned so much from the wonderful cyber collective of felt and fiber artists from across the globe. I enjoy the camaraderie and look forward to sharing my knowledge of art, marketing and my creations. And, of course, continuing to learn and be challenged by all of you as well.
