Jane Cummins

 

The methods I use to produce my work are centuries old techniques; feltmaking, woodturning and moulding plywood.

I have a longstanding interest in textiles, the most recent being feltmaking. My fascination with felt is in the making process how the fibres matt together producing a fabric and how the process can be manipulated to produce shape. Working with textiles has made texture important to me both visually and through touch.

Whilst looking for a material that would compliment the felt I was introduced to woodturning. Using the lathe I work with the grain to produce contrasting textures and patterns to the surface of the wood, the handmade felt adding further colour and texture. I work with native woods, the majority of my wood is in Ash as this allows me to produce a range of textures within one piece.

Along side the woodturning I make a unique range of handbags, taking inspiration from classic designs I produce a wooden frame using laminated birch plywood and combine it with a handmade merino felt bag to produce a contemporary bag.

My overall aim in both objects I make is to create a desire to touch, and feel the contrasts between the surfaces and materials.