Joanne Graham
Since retiring in 2008, Joanne has experimented with and studied several different art forms. Joanne started with metalsmithing and then discovered fused glass.
In December 2015, Joanne discovered felting. Immediately, she knew this art form was THE one! She fell in love with the blending of wool fibers with other types of natural fibers and textiles, and the resultant rich textures and organic designs.
Since Joanne started felting, she learned to dye her own wool and silk. While researching the various fabric dying methods, Joanne stumbled upon Eco-printing. Eco-printing is a technique where plants, leaves, and flowers leave their shapes, color, and marks on fabric. Plant material bundled inside of cloth is steamed or boiled to release the dye found naturally inside the plant, creating a contact print in the shape of the leaf or flower used. These contact prints are referred to as, “Eco-prints”.
Felting allows Joanne to incorporate her love of color and much of what she learned in previous years as a jewelry-maker and fused glass artist. The various colors and designs used in her fused glass art can be often seen duplicated in her felted projects.
Felting has enabled her to see how the binding of wool and natural fibers results in fabrics. Joanne’s felting and eco printing creations include scarves, shawls, hats, purses, tunics and other garments as well as home décor items.
joannegraham53@gmail.com