Maria Holst–Salomonsen: Felt and Fibre Masterclass- Case Study

Image by Moira Simpson

Artform— Crafts & Textiles
Project Cost— $2,354
Amount Funded— $1,500
Primary Beneficiary—Artists and Art Workers

Textile Artist Maria Holst Salomonson travelled from the Clare Valley to Adelaide, to attend a 6 day Masterclass with leading international felt artist, Yekaterina (Katia) Mokeyeva. This exciting professional development opportunity provided Maria with the opportunity to extend her skills in felting with wool, silk and other fibres, allowing for exploration of new techniques. Maria created pieces for her upcoming solo exhibition to be held at the Burra Regional Art Gallery and the Barossa Regional Gallery from August to December 2019.

This was a rare opportunity for a regional artist to learn from a high calibre, international artist which resulted in tangible long term benefits for Maria and her community. Not only the development of her practice as a professional regional artist; by attending the Master Class Maria has built her capacity as a mentor and teacher of felt and fibre art.

Maria said:
“I wanted to push the boundaries and further my art practice. Not having been able to afford many courses in my felting career, it was very uplifting and inspiring. I have already made a few new things and have several sketches and ideas floating around in my head. I have accomplished what I set out to learn, but have gained so much more….new ideas have sprung from this course as well as interaction with other felt makers,…in my opinion it has been a success.”
The public outcome of this was solo exhibition at The Burra Regional Art Gallery and the Barossa Regional Gallery  – August to December 2019. Check out their websites closer to the date for more information.