I completed a Foundation course in Art and Design at Middlesex Polytechnic and went on to do a (BA Hons) Graphic Design at Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic. I have always enjoyed the relationship between image and type, working with creative typography and illustration, colour and texture. I had lived in London all my life, working as a packaging designer for numerous design companies and do still work as a freelancer now.

Beside the sea
A few years ago we packed our bags and moved to Brighton. The seaside had always held a special place for me, mainly visiting during the annual summer exodus and various day trips within the nearest reaches of London. Actually living by the sea, being with it every day is refreshing and stimulating. It was here that my love for the waves really inspired me, not only creatively but physically too.

The process of felt making was revealed to me while attending a children's art day with my kids at the Brighton Museum. We returned home and together we created a large scale felt wall hanging for our living room, complete with matching accessories ... and my passion grew from there. My life now harmoniously revolves around designing, felt making and surfing!

Painting with wool'
My felt wall art is created by hand and is based on the ancient art of felt making which has been in existence for around 8000 years. Each new generation explores new treatments for this traditional textile resulting in an incredibly versatile medium which can be used to create anything from blankets to garments, to jewellery and works of art.

Natural wool and plant fibres are placed across each other, following the age old method of felt making. The pre dyed merino wool is rubbed and rolled with soap and water causing the individual scales of the fibres to mesh together, producing a strong material. When dry, I add more wool by needle felting to create further colour and form.

Much thought is given to the laying down of colour and fibre, just as a painter steps back to view their canvas. I 'paint' with wool, building upon my concept, applying threads, fibres and fabrics to create powerful designs that are rich in texture and depth; no other medium allows such stunningly tactile artwork to be created.

Please view my online TUTORIAL that I created for 'Workshop on the Web'

I now have an Etsy shop: karenrao.etsy.com