Four felters exhibited their work at Showcase Ireland 2024. This may not seem like a lot, but in 2023, only two designers/artisans exhibited work using the medium of feltmaking. So, there was twice as much this year!
Each of the artists from Showcase 2024 has her own unique way of working with the medium of felted wool. Two create wearable art, while the other two create art for the home.
Here they are, in A-Z order.
Alexa Designs
County Wicklow resident Alexa Zolich of Alexa Design creates luxurious Nunofelted wraps. Originally from Poland, she studied Textiles at the National College of Art and Design. You can view some of her work in person at Marion Cuddy at Powerscourt Centre, Dublin.
To see more of Alexa’s work, visit her website – https://www.alexadesign.ie/
Cushla Of Gullion
Dundalk-based Feltmakers Ireland member Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon of Cushla of Gullion creates landscape paintings inspired by the Irish countryside. Instead of using paint, she uses wool and other textiles. Farmer’s Journal recently did a Meet the Maker profile on Caóilfíonn - https://www.farmersjournal.ie/life/craft/meet-the-maker-caoilfionn-murphy-o-hanlon-803961
My nana taught me to knit and to crochet, but discovering the versatility of felting was a revelation to me as artistic expression. I found it soon became my therapeutic, go to textile medium instantly connecting me to the landscape at my door and allowing me to translate the textures, form and sense of place in my work drawing on past bonds and imbuing memories into each piece.
Caóilfíonn Murphy O’Hanlon
To see more of Caóilfíonn’s work, visit her website – https://cushlaofgullion.com/
Jayne Gillan Designs
County Kerry resident Jayne Gillan of Jane Gillan Designs creates felted scarves inspired by the colours and textures of the Irish landscape.
To see more of Jayne’s work, visit her website – https://www.jaynegillan.com/
Karena Ryan Textile Art
Guild member Karena Ryan of Karena Ryan Textile Art is based in County Galway. She combines hand-felted wool with stitch and works with Irish linens, tweeds and vintage Foxford blankets. Her felted lamp made from Irish-raised Galway wool was shortlisted for an award in the Home Category of Showcase 2024.
There is a lovely article about Karena in the Agriland Journal – https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/lamp-made-from-galway-wool-to-feature-at-showcase-2024/
To see more of Karena’s work, visit her website – https://karenaryanartist.com/
Editor’s Note: Apologies if we missed any other Showcase 2024 designers who create felted products.
Feltmakers Ireland 