Lindsey Gallon is a textile artist, teacher and mother of two
I first began felting about fourteen years ago, just after the birth of my first son, Sam and became addicted. Addicted to motherhood and “creating” from fleece wool. I initially became a fan of making things for my children; boots, hats, blankets, waste coats, bags, crayon holders, water bottle covers….in fact, if I could have designed a successful knife and fork, I would have felted that too. As my children grew, I began creating pictures for them and friend’s children and this is where I felt most excited because the medium of wool is just so vibrant and alive – just like children and there is just something about a felted art piece that seems to be alive – and I love that. The art works can be framed without glass so children can feel them if they wish and you can really appreciate the textures and vibrancy of the wool.
What I also love about felting is that it is a wonderful forum for young hands too, to explore colour, natural fibres as well as being creative. And the wonderful thing about felt…is that it is a very forgiving medium, so children or first time felters can feel a real sense of achievement with what they create.
My artwork focuses on creating magical images using 100% wool and silk fibres as her medium. I am often inspired by nature and animals as they are infinite in their beauty. In some of the unfelted, what I call live wool pictures, one can (I hope) feel a softness and innocence about them. The cards have been photographed from original live wool fibre artworks which were originally commissioned artworks.
I have also been inspired by the work of philosopher Rudolph Steiner. Steiner believed that maintaining contact with the natural world was very important for the well-being of the human being and especially for the development of children. The use of natural fibres and images from nature is a great counter balance to a world full of synthetic materials and plastic images.
Over the years, I have explored creating other genres of artworks, and have to say that my inspiration is purely therapeutic, especially the images I create of women which have all been a shared aspect of myself, often at significant times in my life.
I would like to do more landscape pieces, especially of Australia which still feels new to me, even though I have lived here for ever ten years, the colours of the outback are still my favourite. BUT….I do seem to be drawn to creating a magical world for children and think it highly possible to create a three dimensional, interactive world for children.
Sadly, I have not always kept a photographic record of all my works, as I hadn’t thought that my initial passion would grow into a real and credible path I could follow.
There is an extraordinary amount of work in each piece,especially the children’s pictures as the the wool fibres are worked and shaped for many hours to create each picture.
Original artwork and commissions
Lindsey Gallon has spent many years developing her unique and vibrant style. The bold and striking images are made from mixed fibres and are cleverly balanced by the softness of the textiles. Many of the pieces are of iconic Australian scenes or beautifully rendered women. Lindsey’s artworks present as an undeniable talking piece wherever they hang.
Her original felted artwork can be bought framed and unframed and she is willing to take commissions from individuals and businesses looking for unique art pieces.
To buy an existing piece or to find out more about ordering a commissioned piece, contact Lindsey direct on 0414 806 747 or gallon@artfeltcards.com.au
