What is a feltmakers convergence?

A Convergence is a gathering of felt makers, and the sharing of knowledge, experience and ideas is the underlying theme. The Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence has been happening bi-annually since 1990. Each convergence is a little different, reflecting the fact that a feltmaking group in a different location hosts it entirely voluntarily. A convergence is an amazing event and some feltmakers have been attending them over many years ensuring lifelong friendships. The convergence program differs from year to year as it is traditionally largely made up of feltmakers who volunteer their time to share their knowledge, ideas and experience of feltmaking. A convergence attendee can expect many inspiring tutorials, workshops, opportunities to display your work, a fashion parade, installations, community group projects, lectures, professional development, informal demonstrations, a place to felt to your hearts content, traders trading their supplies, many networking opportunities, and much laughter and camaraderie with other feltmakers. It is a whole week immersed in the wonderful stuff of felt. Eat, sleep, and drink felt if you are that keen! It covers every aspect of felt making and is suitable for all levels of experience, wherever you are at with your own feltmaking journey. The 12th Convergence will be held in The Illawarra Region of NSW Australia, 1st-6th September 2013. It will be hosted by The Illawarra Feltmakers inc. Come along, learn, share, felt and have fun.

Applications for enrollment are expected to go out October 2012. If you would like to be on the email list please let us know. 12thfeltconvergencesh@westnet.com.au


Friday 21 September 2012

Guest feltmakers for the 12th Convergence

The Illawarra feltmakers are pleased to announce three guest feltmakers for the 12th Convergence. They are Japanese feltmaker, Leiko Uchiyama, Martien van Zuilen from Perth, and Anna Gunnarsdottir from Iceland.


Martien van Zuilen
Martien van ZuilenMartien is the founder of the Victorian Feltmakers Inc. and the coordinator of the Australian National Yurt Project. She holds an Associate Diploma in Art Textiles and an Honours degree in Anthropology. Martien’s creative art work has appeared in a number of publications, including Yurts, Tipis and Benders, Textile Fibre Forum, Felt/Filt, Felt Matters and Fiber Art Now. Her website is www.martienvanzuilen.com
About her arts practice Martien says the following:
“Throughout the years, my sense of excitement when making felt is undiminished. It is an ‘open’ process; there is nothing between me and the fibres, we connect ‘face-to-face’ and in a ‘hands-on’ fashion in the creation of meaningful objects. What matters is the intentional engagement with making, and the interplay of materials, experience, design, and ideas. Making felt engages my whole being; it truly suits my fold. Sharing the magic of felt through teaching is something that continues to give me great enjoyment. I feel fortunate to be part of a vibrant community of makers; the social networks and spirit of generosity mean the world to me.’

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