Gillian Royal

• Gillian Royal
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Pantoufles
I am a Designer Maker, with many years of textile design experience and a ‘First Class’ BA(Hons) Applied Arts degree, a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen - Licentiate (with Merit), The International Feltmakers Association and also a part of the design group, designGap.

My focus is making unique, three dimensional, seamless, felt vessels, in a range of styles, textures and colours. The vessels are lightweight, tactile and, unlike ceramics, unbreakable, ideal for a contemporary modern interior. Using the traditional wet rolling technique, each vessel is handcrafted from natural fibres including merino and native breeds wool. The smooth or textured walls invite you to enjoy the tactile experience, moving away from sight alone. Your eye may be led into the vessel to a contrast of colour or appliqué embellishment, may have been added.

The handmade element of my work is important to me,  I enjoy the therapeutic process of manipulating the fibres into sculptural forms. I am influenced by the aesthetic form and colour of organic structures and informed by the haptic sensory experience. The connections with natural materials link to my wider interests, protecting the environment, sustainability and the tradition of felt making.

I promote my vessels under the name of “Pantoufles” which relates to the emotions behind the work. My intended audience is the middle and upper ends of the Contemporary Crafts market, selling through galleries, direct to collectors and high profile Craft Exhibitions.

I will be exhibiting at BTCF 2010 in Harrogate in the newcomers gallery.