About
I have always been fascinated by birds—their incredible variety of colours, shapes, sizes, features, and behaviours. For years, I’ve been passionate about recreating them in felt, continuously refining my craft. Each piece is a new challenge, a chance to observe and capture the subtle intricacies of their anatomy, expression, and movement.
My love for felting and working with fibres is equally strong. Wool, with its adaptability, is the perfect medium, ideal for replicating delicate plumage. Its lightness lends itself perfectly to sculpting birds, which are, quite literally, as “light as a feather.” The range of colours in wool, which can be mixed to create new shades, makes it perfect for my work—allowing me to achieve a level of realism I couldn’t in any other material.
Although I explored many techniques during my Art journey, I hadn’t worked with wool until my son gifted me a needle felting kit for my birthday. That moment changed everything—it was my first venture into sculptural work, and I was hooked. When I completed my first bird sculptures, people commented on how lifelike they were. That encouragement fuelled my passion and pushed me to develop my skills further. With each new piece, I strive to achieve the highest level of realism, capturing not just the physical details but the spirit of each bird. I want my work to connect with viewers—whether through the intricate details and expressions of the birds themselves or the found objects I include, each carrying its own history and meaning.
Birds are my primary focus, and they allow me to experiment with a range of materials, including wire, clay, paint, and of course, wool. Occasionally, I incorporate silk flowers and embroidery into my creations to portray them in a more natural setting. Looking ahead, I plan to expand my repertoire to include insects and mammals. currently, I’m enjoying the creative freedom of pursuing my own projects, so I’m not accepting commissions, though this may change in the future.
I’m fortunate to live in a quiet, rural spot in Argyll, Scotland, with my husband, where we raised our family. We keep a small, eclectic flock of hens. The surrounding countryside, whether I’m in my garden or out on walks, is a constant source of inspiration.
Creativity has been part of me for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly began to develop my artistic skills. My love of animals led me to pursue a diploma in pet portraiture, which I completed with distinction. This training sharpened my ability to observe and capture the unique personalities of animals, a skill that now carries through into my felt sculptures. I later furthered my artistic journey with an HND in Contemporary Art and a BA (Hons) in Art & History, broadening my artistic perspective and deepening my understanding of the cultural and historical significance of art.
Fankle is an old Scottish word for a tangle. The name ‘Fankled Fibre’ speaks to the process of needle felting, where wool naturally tangles and interlocks as it’s worked, allowing me to shape and form it into lifelike creations.
I hope you enjoy exploring my website and that my work resonates with you. More than anything, I want to share my love of nature and invite you to appreciate the beauty and character of the wildlife that inspires me every day.
Joan