Gina Barr Eiger
I have incorporated my study of art as a university student and in life into my felted characters. My progression into needle felting was a natural one leading from a thirty year involvement with wool. I love the warm rich smell and texture of this most versatile of fibers. I am also a hand spinner and knitter and traditional felter.
The inspiration for my felted characters comes from the nature around me and the people I meet.
I spent most of my life living in the mountains of Montana where the intense vibrant light of the high Rockies gives all things an energy and clarity that I attempt to convey in my work.
My fantasy creatures are mostly done with colors I see in nature. I like the wildness of these characters and have attempted to bring the spirit of the New Zealand bush into their personalities. I imagine these spirit-like creatures among the Ponga and Puriri scampering away from the intrusion of us humans.
For the more human like characters, I use natural colored Romney wool from New Zealand for my skin tones. I have been fortunate to find many varying colors that give me the opportunity to create a diverse palate in which to create all types of characters. I try to capture the spirit of certain people I meet and create a character that pays homage to the wonderful diverse population of New Zealand.
My creations are made entirely from New Zealand wool in New Zealand.
I work from my studio in Parua Bay where I am surrounded by the incredible beauty of the sea and bush.
