Leiko began felting in 1992 with an innovative approach that has resulted in a truly distinctive style, not only through the techniques employed, but also in the aesthetic sensitivity to materials, form and function. Leiko’s work explores the potential of felt within the twenty first century craft practice.
I spend my mornings dyeing. I rinse the wool I dyed the day before, putting away already dyed and dried wool and start a new dyeing batch. On sunny summer days, I sort out the raw fleeces and wash them in the morning. I start felting in the afternoons. I work on commissions, make stock for The Store in Borris and make some samples for new pieces. I also do administration work for any classes coming up. I’m so glad the face-to-face classes are coming back!
You must love what you do and if you do, just go for it.
Leiko Uchiyama
Leiko FELT
I love what I do, which is creating felt with wool from sheep and this is what we have been doing since a very early stage of our history. Felting proves me being a part of the flow and it is such a wonderfully versatile material.
It’s difficult to manage spending more time doing each working process!
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
Isamu Noguchi
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
You must love what you do and if you do, just go for it.
What’s your favourite craft item in your home?
