Patti Barker creates wearable works of art that communicate strong messages with fiber. She embellishes her creations with beads and other fibers, using bases of nuno felting,.
How did you find yourself on a path to creating wearable art making social statements? Always there? Lightbulb moment?
My path is a crooked one. After the sudden loss of my husband in my late 40’s I took solace in learning to weaving. I was nearing the end of a 20 year career in TV advertising and had been raising alpaca. I came to fiber arts backwards, having raised fiber animals before learning to use their wool. I discovered felting at a fiber arts retreat in 2008 and immediately fell in love with it.
Felt making possessed me. I went to art school, then I discovered WOW (world of wearable art). As I began to create wearable art for the stage, each ensemble spoke to me.
I’ve always been creative. Both of my parents worked with their hands, so I suppose it’s in my DNA. I was a self-proclaimed macrame queen of 1979 and worked with paper jewelry in the 80’s.
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How does nuno felting best express what you want to communicate through your art?
Nuno felting is a process that requires thoughtful planning: gathering of materials (sometimes hand dying them), laying of fibers and fabrics, adding soapy water, and manipulating with my hands.
All of my pieces have strong messages. Dragon Skin carries a message of female empowerment. Moth Secret surrounds the feeling of not being enough, or the middle child syndrome. The Climate Sisters are life giving elements not without female scorn. Ant Queen was inspired by our crazy political climate and she whispers “let women lead us to peace.” My latest work is titled Sea Crone and is about ageism. It cannot be shown until WOW judges decide if it will be accepted in the 2023 show.
What do you do to develop your skills? How do you get better at what you do?
I’m a self proclaimed technique junkie as I’m always on the lookout for techniques new to me. There are several advanced felt makers I enjoy learning from. Fiona Duthie of Canada is a favorite.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
On a given day I’m excited to get into my studio and further any number of projects. The fiber studio is my happy place. I have an embarrassingly large stash of fabrics, wool and embellishments. They are all displayed, along with art books and fine art from some of the friends I’ve made along the way.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
I’m very grateful to have 800 s.f. of studio space, overlooking flower gardens and a swimming pool. I use folding tables for a work surface that are adjustable to any project size.
How do you generate new ideas for pieces?
Inspiration arises from many places. Sometimes a technique inspires a concept, sometimes textures in nature or a story I’ve read are the spark. Truly, inspiration is everywhere.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I keep a journal with me as much as possible. I’ve always had more ideas than time to produce them, so I rough sketch just to capture ideas. Some concepts haunt me until the making.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
I generate new work by sketching rough ideas, fine tuning the concept, then proof of concept by making samples of techniques I think I might use. The steps include gathering of materials, dyeing if needed, layout, felting and finishing.
Your pieces are highly embellished and intricate. How do you know when a piece is finished and needs no additional work?
I do enjoy bead embroidery on felt as a final touch. It isn’t finished until I’m happy with the results. Sometimes I’ll create multiple versions of a concept before deciding which to choose as the final version.
Do you lecture or teach workshops?
The costume work keeps me relevant as an artist and hopefully inspires my students. I teach across the US, mostly at fiber festivals, sometimes for textile guilds. You see, felt making is my joy and teaching allows me to share it. I truly believe this is what life is all about.
Tell us about your website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?
My website is where I keep my growing biography of exhibitions and awards, together with a gallery of current work. It’s also a portal for students to purchase materials for a given class. Anyone interested in scheduling a class, or simply commenting on my work is invited to email me at pattibarker58@gmail.com.
My work is on display at the MaJe Gallery in Edmonds, Washington, and at the Orchard Gallery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. My online gallery can be found at PattiBarker.com, or to follow my social media, visit Instagram @PattiBarkerFelt or my Facebook page.
Interview posted February 2023
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