Fiona Jackson

After studying the History of Art & Design to Postgraduate level, I discovered that I preferred making things to talking about them.

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I am fascinated by materials which alter state and I work in wool, metal and glass.

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Process inspires me, whether in felt-making, dyeing or metalsmithing. I like my work to grow organically, with the results of each step suggesting the next direction to be taken. Being surprised and slightly off-kilter makes me feel at my most creative, leading me in unexpected directions which otherwise wouldn't occur to me.

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The plasticity of wool is fascinating, its malleability as felt gives it qualities more akin to clay than to woven textiles and I work by playing with this quality. It also accepts colour readily, which adds to the joy of working. Similarly, aluminium is a wonderful medium for dyeing and continues the overall narrative of my work which centres on the uplifting nature of vibrant colours.

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The stranger forms of nature, plant and animal are great sources of inspiration, as is the place of wool and colour in the historical and archaeological record.